# MassHEAL - Reducing overdose deaths by 40% (2019-2023)

> **NIH NIH UM1** · BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · $14,840

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Addiction is a stigmatized condition affecting diverse populations including disproportionate effects on
marginalized communities. Therefore, we have to solve complex problems caused by addiction in order to
reduce morbidity and mortality. It is clear that diverse groups are more productive, innovative, and likely to
develop new approaches to solving complex problems related to addiction. Our objective is to leverage existing
programs at Boston Medical Center and Boston University to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
in addiction related fields (IDEAAA). We have 3 approaches to achieve this objective: Approach 1: Extending
outreach in existing addiction medicine training programs in order to increase the likelihood of successful
application and participation in these programs by members of underrepresented groups. Approach 2:
Integrating addiction-related case studies, research, shadowing, games and theater into existing programs
engaging underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Goals: 1) To introduce addiction as an exciting and viable
career path, 2) to increase knowledge around substance use disorders and their prevention & treatment, 3) to
reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorders, and 4) to increase the diversity of ideas to prevent, treat
and reduce the harms of addiction. Approach 3: Supporting retention of diverse faculty doing addiction-related
work by linking them to funded research projects. Our goal for Amaya Powis is for her to assist Mx. Jules
Canfield on Approach 1, conducting needs assessments and focus groups with existing addiction medicine
training programs on the experiences of past and present program participants from underrepresented groups
(URGs), and Dr. Emily Hurstak on Approach 2 activities and tasks, including creating curriculum-based
material on topics about substance use disorders for existing high school and undergrad STEM programs and
assisting with post-intervention evaluation. In addition, we will aim to offer Amaya a robust learning experience
outside of her internship duties. We will connect her with and encourage her to attend addiction-focused
activities at Boston Medical Center throughout her internship. These activities include the Clinical Addiction
Research and Education (CARE) Unit Journal Club, Case Conference, and Summer Research Program’s
weekly didactics and healthcare provider & guests in recovery panels.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10400445
- **Project number:** 3UM1DA049412-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** JEFFREY H. SAMET
- **Activity code:** UM1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $14,840
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2019-04-17 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10400445

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10400445, MassHEAL - Reducing overdose deaths by 40% (2019-2023) (3UM1DA049412-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10400445. Licensed CC0.

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