Research and Data Collection

Research demonstrates a strong link between exposure to traumatic events and complications brought on by substance misuse. The 1998 ACE study by Kaiser Permanente and the CDC provided strong evidence between early trauma and opioid addiction. In fact, the study revealed that the more traumatic events an individual experience, the more chronic illnesses and substance misuse the individual will incur (2017, Press & Yoe et al). Child abuse, criminal attacks, natural disasters are some of the reason’s individuals turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the emotional pain, bad memories, guilt, shame, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from their experiences. COL members who specialize in research and data collection in partnership with Project Lazarus’ Associate Director for Data Science and Evaluation will design an evaluation plan for determining outcomes.

The local team of scientists will conduct ongoing community research and data collection projects utilizing the evaluation tool previously reference to inform the development of targeted programs in response to the opioid epidemic. Evaluation surveys will be developed to distribute to the community during our ongoing community events (e.g., monthly food distribution program) to preliminarily collect data.

The CORP Research team will participate in virtual meetings with Project Lazarus and develop research and program evaluation tools in preparation for community engagement work once the stay-at-home order is lifted.