Research & Training

When a young adult (YA) is diagnosed with cancer, normal growth and development is disrupted, making YA a vulnerable population. YA Hispanic and African Americans survivors are particularly vulnerable as they are more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) pre-treatment, further increasing the risk of late effects of cancer and negative consequences. There is an urgent need to develop health behavior interventions for YA cancer survivors that are effective and easily disseminated. The purpose of this project is to provide information on diverse YA preferences for delivery of health-related topics, highlighting specific information needs and concerns in young adult cancer survivors.

Contact: Marilyn Stern, PhD
Funder: H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center/National Institutes of 
Health/National Cancer Institute

This study informs ongoing implementation and improves program effectiveness for violence prevention and mental health training programs funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in response to the Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Act. A cross-site analysis of programs across 128 sites throughout the U.S. 
is included in the study, as well as an in-depth case study analysis across diverse geographic locations. The impact of COVID-19 on system-wide efforts to address mental health and violence prevention in schools is being explored. Results will inform broader understandings of violence prevention and mental health program implementation in schools through dissemination of findings to the school, practitioner, and research communities.

Contact: Anna Abella, PhD
Funder: National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs

This Well-Being Promotion program is being implemented by school-based mental health teams who serve middle school students in FL and MA. A randomized controlled trial is evaluating the program’s impact on children’s mental health and academic outcomes.

Contact: Jason Anthony, PhD
Funder: U.S. Department of Education

This project builds capacity in core partners of Nebraska’s system of services and supports to effectively, equitably serve all individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), targeting culturally and linguistically diverse populations, their families and support networks.

Contact: Christina Dillahunt-Aspillaga, PhD
Funder: Nebraska Department of Health

The Center was established to provide information, collaboration, and program support to Florida’s professional child welfare stakeholders. Services include a fully searchable online knowledge library categorized by program area, a comprehensive credentialed video training component for professionals, statewide and local live web events hosted and supported by staff, responding and posting of Frequently Asked Questions submitted by professionals, and a collaboration component that serves as an interactive online informationsharing portal where peers and experts can interact with each other and develop online learning communities. (Project completed)

Contact: Pamela Hardy-Jones
Funder: Florida Department of Children and Families/ Administration for Children and Families

The IMAP project assesses the needs of Veterans and service members with traumatic brain injuries. Staff conduct and analyze data from semi-structured interviews with providers, advocates, community partners, and policy makers regarding the facilitators and barriers to accessing services.

Contact: Areana Cruz, MSEd
Funder: Tampa Veteran’s Administration Research & Education Foundation

This collaborative evaluation assesses the implementation of the Making Connections Initiative at sites across the U.S. The Making Connections Initiative supports the development of prevention-focused, responsive strategies to promote mental well-being among men and boys.

Contact: Roxann Taormina, PhD
Funder: Movember Foundation

This evaluation study is focused on using data provided by the Indiana Department of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) Equity Office to assess how well statewide equity efforts have worked to reduce behavioral health disparities, particularly those experienced by racially or ethnically minoritized communities within the state; LGBTQ+ youth; and others. Findings will be used to address two key evaluation aims: 1) evaluate DMHA equity initiatives for effectiveness, give recommendations for future directions, identify continuous quality improvements for organizational equity processes, and assist DMHA staff with technical assistance; and 2) use DMHA data to inform DMHA’s work, service provision, funding decisions, policy, and training regarding health equity.

Contact: Linda Callejas, PhD
Funder: Indiana Department of Mental Health and Addiction Health Equity