HEAL: Translating Addiction Epidemiology, Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Research into Practice (R61/R33 - Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically through the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), is forecasting a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) as part of its HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative. This forthcoming grant opportunity is structured under the R61/R33 funding mechanism and is designated to be clinical trial optional. It aims to support applied, action-oriented research that expedites the translation of addiction-related epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and recovery research into real-world practices. The overarching goal is to effectively respond to the ongoing opioid crisis and the broader epidemic of substance use disorders and overdose. The focus of this opportunity is on identifying and addressing mutable factors and structural barriers at various levels including individual, provider, organizational, community, and systems. It emphasizes the exploration and development of effective, reproducible, and scalable strategies for implementing evidence-based and promising interventions into standard use across healthcare and community systems. Priority research areas span a broad range including recovery processes, prevention strategies, intersections between pain management and addiction, involvement of family and support networks, transitions between care settings, integration of mental health services, and enhancements to existing services’ quality and efficiency. Another critical focus is the capture and use of real-time data to guide improvements in service delivery and public health initiatives. The grant seeks collaborative proposals that integrate diverse disciplines such as implementation science, modeling, health economics, translational science, and engagement research. Although applications are not being accepted at this time, the NOFO is being announced in advance to allow applicants ample time to form meaningful partnerships and begin developing responsive and collaborative proposals. Applications will open around August 1, 2025, with submissions due by October 16, 2025. The anticipated start and award dates are both July 1, 2026. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public and private entities, from state and local governments to various types of nonprofit and for-profit organizations. No cost sharing or matching funds are required. Additional details will be released when the official NOFO is published later this year. For more information or specific questions, applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Tisha Wiley at tisha.wiley@nih.gov or 301-594-4381.