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), has forecasted a funding opportunity under the HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) initiative. This grant opportunity titled "Translating Addiction Epidemiology, Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Research into Practice" aims to support translational, action-oriented research that bridges the gap between research and real-world implementation. With an emphasis on clinical trial optional designs, this initiative will utilize the R61/R33 mechanism to encourage scalable solutions targeting the opioid crisis and broader substance use disorders across individual, provider, community, and system levels. This forthcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is expected to solicit proposals that identify malleable factors and address the barriers and facilitators that impede effective response to substance misuse and overdose deaths. The research scope includes, but is not limited to, strategies for enhancing recovery support, refining prevention methodologies, addressing the intersections of pain and addiction, and improving transitions of care such as from inpatient to community-based treatment. It will also support work that integrates mental health services, explores engagement of family and social supports, and leverages meaningful, real-time data to inform public health interventions and service delivery. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative, evidence-based or promising interventions and to explore methods for ensuring these approaches are replicable and scalable in real-world settings. Areas such as service efficiency, quality improvement, and the use of implementation science and health economics are particularly welcomed. While applications are not being accepted at the time of this forecast, the NIH provides this advance notice to enable research teams to develop collaborative, multidisciplinary proposals. The funding opportunity will not require cost sharing or matching funds, lowering barriers for a wide range of applicants including tribal, state, and local governments, non-profits, educational institutions, school districts, and both small and large businesses. This inclusive eligibility is intended to support wide participation and encourage a diverse portfolio of applications that reflect various community and systemic contexts. Although specific submission steps are not provided in the forecast, applicants will need to monitor for the official NOFO release, expected in April 2026, with applications due by June 9, 2026. Successful applicants may expect award notifications and project start dates around April 1, 2027. This advance timeline affords interested parties ample opportunity to prepare competitive applications and establish strategic partnerships that align with the program's goals. For further information, potential applicants are directed to contact Dr. Tisha Wiley at tisha.wiley@nih.gov or via phone at 301-594-4381. The official NOFO, once published, will include more detailed guidance on submission requirements, review criteria, and allowable costs. The program is intended to support national-scale efforts, and applicants across all U.S. states and eligible territories will be considered without geographical restriction.