HEAL Initiative: Integrative Management of Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) for Whole Recovery: Health Systems

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a forecast for an upcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled “HEAL Initiative: Integrative Management of Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) for Whole Recovery: Health Systems.” This funding initiative is rooted in the Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative, a trans-agency effort focused on scientific solutions to the opioid crisis. The specific NOFO outlined in this forecast builds on prior HEAL-funded research, particularly the Integrative Management of Chronic Pain and OUD for Whole Recovery (IMPOWR) initiative funded in fiscal year 2021, which supported 11 unique clinical trials focused on patient-level interventions for co-occurring chronic pain and OUD. A significant proportion—between 40 to 60 percent—of individuals diagnosed with OUD also suffer from chronic pain, making integrated treatment approaches vital for achieving sustainable recovery. Previous interventions have shown promise but face systemic barriers due to the separation of healthcare disciplines and fragmented care models. The purpose of this NOFO is to address these barriers by enabling systemic and sustainable delivery of integrated care at the health systems level. Researchers are encouraged to propose strategies that support the implementation and scalability of proven integrative care models, including roles for clinicians, peer specialists, administrators, and other key stakeholders. This forthcoming opportunity will use the RM1 activity code and seeks to foster collaborative, multidisciplinary research efforts. Emphasis is placed on community-based participatory research methods and implementation science to amplify the impact and sustainability of integrated care solutions. Studies may explore collaborative care models and innovative health system approaches that facilitate efficient integration of chronic pain and OUD services. Additionally, the research should help identify healthcare settings where such integrative approaches can be most effectively deployed. Eligible applicants include a broad array of organizations such as county governments, state and tribal entities (including both federally and non-federally recognized tribal organizations), higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities including small businesses, independent school districts, and public housing authorities. Applications are not being accepted at this stage; this is a forecasted opportunity to provide ample time for stakeholders to build partnerships and develop strong applications. The estimated timeline includes a posting date of January 12, 2026, with applications due by November 2, 2026. Award announcements are expected on April 1, 2027, with project start dates also slated for April 1, 2027. Matching funds are not required, and the number of awards to be issued has not yet been determined. While total program funding and specific award amounts remain unspecified in this forecast, the historical context of the IMPOWR initiative suggests substantial federal investment may be allocated for this program. For further information, interested parties are encouraged to contact Shelley Su, Ph.D., at the National Institute on Drug Abuse. She can be reached at 301-402-3869 or via email at IMPOWR@nih.gov. This forecast is issued in collaboration with multiple NIH institutes including NIAAA, NIAMS, NIMH, NCCIH, and NINDS, all of which bring unique disciplinary insights to this critical public health issue.