For nearly a decade, this team translated research into action through community-based initiatives supported by federal partners, including HRSA, SAMHSA, and the U.S. Department of Justice. Working alongside communities across Oklahoma and the surrounding region, these initiatives strengthened local capacity to prevent substance use, improve mental health, and address the social conditions that shape health.

This work emphasized community coalition development, strategic planning, needs assessment, implementation support, and the adoption of evidence-based practices. Rather than applying standardized approaches, each initiative was developed in partnership with local stakeholders to reflect community strengths, priorities, and resources.

Evaluation was integrated throughout every project, examining implementation processes, outcomes, and sustainability to understand what works, for whom, and under what conditions. The resulting evidence informed continuous improvement while helping communities build lasting capacity.

Although this federally funded portfolio has concluded, its influence continues to shape ongoing research. Lessons learned through years of community partnership continue to inform approaches to participant engagement, implementation science, and the translation of research into practice across the broader research program.

Impact

• Supported communities in implementing evidence-based strategies to address substance use and mental health.

• Strengthened local capacity through coalition development, strategic planning, and implementation support.

• Established a foundation for community-engaged research that continues to inform current translational science.