The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through its Division of Program Coordination, Planning and Strategic Initiatives in the Office of Disease Prevention, has reissued a funding opportunity titled "Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment or Prevention (SBIRT/P) for alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) use and misuse in adult populations that experience health disparities." This grant supports research on the implementation of SBIRT/P in populations facing significant health disparities. It requires the inclusion of clinical trials and aims to explore innovative strategies that enhance SBIRT/P integration into healthcare and community settings.
The purpose of the funding is to develop and test models that implement SBIRT/P approaches effectively among adult populations at risk due to health disparities. SBIRT/P includes screening individuals for ATOD risks, conducting brief interventions, and facilitating treatment or prevention referrals. Research projects must focus on overcoming barriers such as stigma, social determinants, and systemic inequities. The work is encouraged to be collaborative, involving community partners such as advocacy groups, healthcare systems, and local organizations to ensure long-term sustainability and adoption.
Funding is not capped, and project periods can last up to five years. Multiple NIH Institutes and Centers are participating, including NIAAA, NIDCR, NIDA, NIMHD, NCI, and the ORWH. Each has outlined specific research priorities ranging from polysubstance use, technology integration, and community engagement, to interventions within dental and oral healthcare settings. Projects must target NIH-designated populations that experience health disparities and should aim to improve accessibility, engagement, and health outcomes.
Applicants must adhere strictly to NIH submission protocols and instructions in the Application Guide. Key application dates fall under NIH standard cycles: February 5, June 5, and October 5 annually through February 2027, with corresponding review and award timelines. While there is no requirement for Letters of Intent, applications must conform to rigorous data sharing, human subject protections, and reporting requirements.
Evaluation criteria include the significance and innovation of the research, rigor and feasibility of the methodology, and qualifications and environment of the investigator(s). Additional considerations include protection for human subjects, data management, and budget justifications. Reviewers will assess whether the proposed project can significantly reduce ATOD-related health disparities through sustainable and scalable SBIRT/P models.
This funding opportunity provides a robust platform for researchers to explore, test, and implement health disparity-focused substance use prevention strategies. Successful applicants will be selected based on scientific merit, relevance to NIH priorities, and available funding. Contact information for each participating NIH component and relevant submission support services is provided for further guidance.
