We developed and optimized Community Wise (CW), a multi-level manualized behavioral intervention to decrease ASM frequency in a population of self-identified men with histories of substance use disorder (SUD) and incarceration (SUD) in Essex County, NJ, U.S. While the intervention reduced ASM over time, intervention attendance was very low. We are implementing a new study to: 1) identify strategies to improve attendance and reduce ASM, and 2) to test feasibility and acceptability of CW among self-identified men and women with a history of SUD living in marginalized communities. We will achieve these aims by conducting a 2³ full factorial experiment informed by MOST and CBPR. This pilot will identify efficient, scalable, and sustainable strategies to improve attendance and maximize the interventions’ effect in reducing ASM.

This project aimed to: (1) examine the role of alcohol and other drug use in Newark's distressed neighborhoods and (2) identify these communities’ needs for substance use disorders treatment.

This project aimed to understand the lived experiences of individuals as they transition from incarceration into the various communities of Newark, NJ.

People transitioning from incarceration into the community took photos, and organized an exhibit. The photos identified challenges people face as they navigate reentry into the community and resources they found helpful. We also sought to identify solutions to the challenges raised by participants.

We interviewed 140 HIV and substance use disorder service providers working at 11 Newark agencies, in order to better understand how they collaborate with each other and how such collaborations might impact evidence-based interventions that seek to reduce the incidence of HIV and substance misuse.

The 3C IL and NJ have COVID-19 projects in each state. The COVID-19 projects aim to optimize an adaptive intervention to increase testing, and access to treatment and to prevention of COVID-19 infections in vulnerable populations.