Transforming tomorrow by Bridging Educational Divides in Research
The UK-REI-CC is funded by grant U24DA058961 from the National Institutes of Health

MISSION

In 2020, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) launched their REI, leading to the establishment of the UK Coordination Center (UK-REI-CC) in 2023. The UK-REI-CC is committed to creating an intentional learning community that fosters collaboration, innovation, and impact by governing the Initiative and serving its grant awardees. Our center cultivates connections between REI recipients, delivers training, develops research resources, and provides guidance for disseminating findings to reduce drug use associated with health inequities among underserved communities. Drawing from healing frameworks, our center coordinates projects across diverse institutions, always emphasizing community engagement and the resilience of underserved communities. By guiding teams in challenging dialogues and employing evidence-based practices, the UK-REI-CC is crucial in enhancing community-engaged substance use research with underserved communities.

 

A cheerful woman wearing a light blue blouse with brown hair is animatedly speaking and gesturing with her hands. She stands in a hallway with wooden doors and informational signs. The back of a person she's conversing with is seen in the foreground.

Learning Community

Cultivating a learning community for REI grantees through the use of Pure™ mapping, needs assessments and collaboration.

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Community Engagement

Elevating marginalized voices, fostering strength-based research and deepening academic-community partnerships.

A man with glasses and a beard, wearing a white shirt, tie, and a vest, sits at a desk working on a computer. Behind him, the room is illuminated with neon signs and screens, suggesting a modern office or newsroom setting. He appears focused.

Data & Communication

Optimizing data collection, tailoring cultural messages and broadening the dissemination of REI discoveries.