# Core D:  Special Populations

> **NIH NIH P20** · RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL · 2021 · $320,244

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY 
The goal of this proposal is to establish a multi-disciplinary research Center focused on the theme of opioids 
and overdose. This will necessarily include vulnerable and underserved populations. To support this general 
goal, the proposed Special Populations Core (SPC) will build infrastructure to recruit and retain vulnerable and 
underserved individuals, build capacity in the ethical conduct of research with vulnerable populations, and 
serve as a centralized resource for training and outreach regarding the conduct of research among individuals 
most impacted by overdose and opioid-related harms. The near-term, primary mission of the SPC is to support 
Project Leaders to recruit and retain opioid-involved individuals through multiple venues including emergency 
departments, opioid treatment programs (OTPs), hospital/perinatal offices and criminal justice (CJ) facilities; 
navigate the ethical considerations of engaging vulnerable populations, apply for Institutional Review Board 
approval and convene data safety monitoring boards. The long-term goal of the SPC is to build a sustainable 
resource to support the practical challenges posed when working with vulnerable and underserved populations 
across Rhode Island hospital networks and Brown and other local Universities and research institutions. The 
SPC will provide an array of services and expertise including: facilitating access to patient populations, 
providing research staff trained in best practices of recruitment and retention and negotiating various 
recruitment settings, guidance in human subjects protection and regulatory oversight of research conducted 
among vulnerable populations, and broaden the community of researchers addressing this critical public health 
issue through outreach and training in these topics, including the critical overlap of CJ involved populations, 
opioid use disorders and overdose. 
Dr. Curt Beckwith and Dr. Timothy Flanigan will be the faculty leaders of this Core. They will provide area 
expertise in working with CJ and substance using populations. Dr. Janette Baird, Scientific Advisor, will provide 
area expertise in research conducted among individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) in hospital 
Emergency Departments and Dr. Caron Zlotnick, Scientific Advisor, will provide area expertise in working with 
pregnant women with SUD. Michelle McKenzie, MPH, Core Manager, will oversee routine operations, manage 
Core resources, and provide area expertise in recruitment, tracking and follow-up of SUD populations. Ms. 
Martino, Training Coordinator, will focus on developing educational forum specific to the incarcerated setting. 
Two Research Assistants will provide recruitment and retention support for Project Leaders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10256007
- **Project number:** 5P20GM125507-04
- **Recipient organization:** RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** CURT G BECKWITH
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $320,244
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-01 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10256007

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10256007, Core D:  Special Populations (5P20GM125507-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10256007. Licensed CC0.

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