January 2021 Newsletter
General Update
With our mission of "discovering pathways to abate and recover from the opioid crisis in Central Appalachia through community-engaged research," the Opioid Reserach Consortium of Central Appalachia has started to recruit a diverse set of members from the Central Appalachia region.  We aim to foster commitment, collaboration, and synergy among scientists, clinicians, practitioners, community members, and learners of all types to achieve the highest possible impact on the opioid and addiction crisis in Central Appalachia through research. 
 
If you are not already an official member and would like to become one, please click the "Become a Member" button below.
 
Looking forward to the rest of 2021, there will be opportunities to get involved and form connections within the consortium.  We look forward to seeing the collective impact this group will have on the opioid crisis in the region.  Keep on the lookout for additional information on how you can become involved!
Update on
The STARS Network
We are excited to announce that our first thematic network, the Studies To Advance Recovery Support (STARS) Network, is now recruiting members.  This network is a new and vital network to our research impact, and will focus on Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS) in the region.
 
A few key benefits of joining the STARS Network will include:
  • access to an engaged community advisory board and community members with lived experience
  • opportunities for both training and mentorship for proposals and projects
  • access to data platforms, software and scholars to help guide analyses
  • access to our planned network of research-ready addiction medicine clinics and Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS) in the Central Appalachian region
If you are not already a member of ORCCA and the STARS Network and would like to apply for membership, please click "Become a Member" above.  If you are already a member, be on the lookout for information on how you can become involved in our projects in 2021!
 
Member Spotlight:
Angela Hagaman
Angela Hagaman serves as the Program Director for the STARS Network project. Angela earned both her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and Master’s Degree in School Counseling at Appalachian State University. She then received her National Counselor Certification (NCC) in 2009.  After a decade of work in the non-profit sector, she joined the ETSU Addiction Science Center in 2013. She is currently enrolled in the Doctorate of Public Health program at ETSU and completing a dissertation entitled, ­“Peer Recovery Support Specialists: Role Clarification and Fit Within the Recovery Eco-Systems of Central Appalachia.” In addition to studying opportunities to prevent and treat substance misuse in Appalachia, Angela loves the outdoors and multi-day adventures on bikes and kayaks.  
Resources

COVID-19 Health Alert Network Advisory

The CDC has issued the following Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory “Increase in Fatal Drug Overdoses Across the United States Driven by Synthetic Opioids Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic”:  https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2020/han00438.asp

 

NIDA Summer Research Internship Program

The NIDA Summer Research Internship Program supports undergraduate students with a focus on increasing underrepresented scholars interested in substance use and addiction research.  Through this program, students age 18 years and older are introduced to the field of substance use and addiction research by participating in research internships with NIDA funded scientists at universities across the United States.  Students work with leading scientists for eight weeks during the summer and receive a stipend.  The internship may be virtual or in-person, and could include laboratory experiments, data collection, data analysis, formal courses, participation in lab meetings, patient interviews, manuscript preparation, and more. In addition, it is expected that each intern will deliver a formal presentation on his/her research project at the end of the internship. 

To apply and view program information, see the NIDA Summer Research Internship Program website. (Applications will be accepted from January 1, 2021 – February 12, 2021.)

 

NIDA Diversity Supplement Program

There are now multiple Diversity Supplement Programs to consider.  Grants supported under the NIH Helping End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiatives, grants supported under the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) program, and the existing NIDA grant programs are all offering Diversity Supplements to provide support that will help launch the careers of underrepresented scientists in addiction research.  HEAL awardees must apply to PA-21-071 through the NOSI, NOT-NS-20-107. BRAIN Initiative awardees must apply to PA-21-071 through the NOSI, NOT-MH-19-038.

The NIDA Diversity Supplement Program continues to accept applications to support post-baccalaureates, pre-doctoral students, post-doctorates, and early-stage investigator training. This program provides support for underrepresented scientists at these career stages to prepare for an independent career in addiction research. Please apply to the diversity supplement FOA, PA-21-071. PIs with HIV/AIDS-related grants are particularly encouraged to apply. Application Deadline for FY2021: May 11, 2021.

For more information on the NIDA Diversity Supplement Program please see the  NIDA Diversity Supplement Program webpage, FAQs, and How to Apply.

 

Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant

The Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant has officially launched! The program supports an innovative project that represents a change in research direction, discipline, or technique for which no preliminary data exist. These awards provide R01-level support specifically for early stage investigators. For more information, see the additional guidance for prospective applicants.

See the PAR-21-039 and PAR-21-038 to for more information about how to apply.

 

FIRST, Faculty Institutional Recruitment for Sustainable Transformation

Two new funding announcements were released as part of the NIH Common Fund’s Faculty Institutional Recruitment for Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) program to enhance inclusive excellence at NIH-funded institutions. See RFA-RM-20-022 and RFA-RM-20-023. 

Inclusive excellence has diversity and equity at its core, building inclusion into all organizational functions and establishing hallmarks for successful operationalization of inclusion. The FIRST program will provide funds for faculty recruitment and to establish inclusive environments at participating institutions to help those faculty succeed. The program’s estimated budget is $241 million over nine years, pending the availability of funds. 

Please note the following two updates: 

  • A technical assistance webinar will be held on January 25, 2020, from 2:00-4:00 pm EST. 
  • The application due date for these FOAs is March 1, 2021. 

Press Release: NIH to fund cohort recruitment and development program to enhance diversity and inclusion among biomedical faculty 

 

Virginia Recovery Scholars Program

Sponsored by the DBHDS State Opioid Response Grant Team

Application Link

Program Flyer, Eligibility and Expectations  

For more information, email recovery@vcu.edu or call 804-366-8027 or visit recovery.vcu.edu.

 

The Department of Behavioral Health and Development State Opioid Response Grant Team and Virginia Commonwealth University are excited to be able to offer the Recovery Scholars Program to students in recovery who are enrolled at Virginia Colleges and Universities. We believe that students in recovery often are among the strongest students on our campus and contribute tremendously to campus life.

 

Scholarship amount: $500 per semester (renews contingent on completion of requirements

Scholarship Deadline: January 20th, Program Begins January 27

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the first deadline as there will be more sections available.

 

Check out our video: https://youtu.be/duAZ_1Cw7DU

 

Recovery Scholars Program:
As individuals grow in their recovery process their needs in recovery change. The Recovery Scholars Program seeks to support these recovery needs through a supportive seminar while recognizing their contributions through financial scholarship.  The Recovery Scholars participate in a weekly supportive seminar and work an active recovery plan.  Recovery scholars are awarded a share of the scholarship pool and may be eligible for additional scholarship awards. Scholarships automatically renew until graduation for those who continue to complete Recovery Scholars program requirements. Additionally, Recovery Scholars are eligible to receive funds for professional development conferences focused on recovery. Scholarships are credited to student accounts are not paid out until mid-point or later in the semester.

 

Introduction to Recovery Supports (Newcomers Program)

The Introduction to Recovery Supports Program is designed for individuals new to recovery, who want additional structure in their recovery journeys while they navigate the challenges of Higher Education. Students will participate in a weekly recovery seminar are must be developing and working an active recovery plan. Individuals entering the newcomers program are able to earn Membership in the Recovery Scholars Program for the next semester and a pro-rated share of a scholarship.  Topics in the Introduction to Recovery Support seminar will help newcomers get plugged into recovery supports relevant to their journeys.

 

 
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