Our programmatic team is lead by Ms. Dallas McCance. This team translates research into action through community-embedded initiatives funded by federal partners including HRSA, SAMHSA, and the U.S. Department of Justice. These efforts focus on strengthening local capacity to prevent and address substance use, mental health challenges, and related social determinants of health by working directly with communities where needs are greatest.

This work centers on community coalition building, needs assessment, and strategic planning to support the adoption and implementation of evidence-based practices. Rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions, we partner with communities to identify their most pressing challenges and co-develop tailored strategies that reflect local context, resources, and priorities.

Evaluation is a core component of this work. We systematically assess implementation processes and outcomes to understand what works, for whom, and under what conditions — generating evidence that informs continuous improvement and supports sustainability. Together, these efforts bridge science and practice, ensuring that research-informed approaches lead to meaningful, measurable impact at the community level.