Researchers with Lived Experience: Closing the Research-to-Practice Gap in Substance Use Systems of Care

By Camille C. Cioffi, PhD., University of Oregon, Oregon Research Institute, & Influents Innovations, Patrick F. Hibbard, PhD., Chestnut Health Systems Lighthouse Institute, Angela Hagaman, DrPh, East Tennessee State University, Martha Tillson, PhD., University of Kentucky, Noel Vest, PhD., Boston University School of Public Health

A pressing challenge to address the current overdose crisis is to facilitate the translation of evidence-based programs and practices into (Blanco, et al., 2020; Cerda, et al., 2023; Krausz, et al., 2024; Sprague, et al, 2020). Centering community perspectives through skilled implementation support is critical to accomplish this goal. However, one potentially underacknowledged group that may facilitate translation of research into practice are researchers with experience with substance use disorders (RLE). Often, people think of people with substance use disorders and researchers as distinct, non-overlapping (Banks, et al., 2023; Miller, et al., 2024).  

RLE, however, exist and our team is a living example. The purpose of our work to help the field understand how we can use both our research and lived expertise to help translate research into practice. Our ultimate goal is to use what we have learned to help build trust and shared knowledge between communities and researchers and bridge gaps to improve program outcomes.

In our paper, we describe how RLE can contribute to the successful implementation of evidence-based interventions by building strong community partnerships, engaging in effective knowledge translation, providing evaluation best-practices , and aiding in dissemination and sustainability efforts (Gartner, et al., 2018; Maiter, et al., 2008).

The ATTC Network recognizes July as National Minority Mental Health Month! This annual observance raises awareness about the unique challenges that affect the mental health of racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations.  

This year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) is focusing on improving mental health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN communities through its 2024 theme, Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections. This theme calls on each of us to better understand how the unique environments, cultures, histories, and circumstances (known as social determinants of health, or “SDOH”) of racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN populations impact their mental health.  

About half of all people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime, but certain SDOH factors, like experiencing trauma, lacking support systems, and having limited access to health care, can leave racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN people at increased risk for many preventable mental health problems.  

Visit the National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month 2024 website to find resources, social media messages, graphics, and information on how to Be the Source for Better Health. 

If you or someone you know needs help with their mental health, contact 988lifeline.org. Call, text, or chat 24/7, for free and confidential support for people in distress or if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 

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