I research how health care systems and public policies can better promote health and wellness among vulnerable and underserved populations, particularly for individuals at risk for opioid and other substance use disorders, mental illness, and infectious diseases. Much of my research has originated from longitudinal study designs and created knowledge via mining of linked administrative data provided by health care delivery systems, social services systems, and criminal justice sources. In recent work, I assessed the ethical issues of using linked administrative data for public health.
Currently, I'm mPI of the Massachusetts Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (MassJCOIN) Research Hub, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) as part of the Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative. We are partnered with jails in Massachusetts, community addiction treatment providers, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, to conduct a Type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation study of a program to expand within jails the provision of medications to treat opioid use disorder. To assess treatment outcomes, we will analyze linked administrative data as provided by 25 sources and managed by the Massachusetts Public Health Data Warehouse. To learn more about MassJCOIN, and the opportunities for mentorship, funding, and career development offered by the national network of JCOIN hubs, visit www.jcoinctc.org.
