The Positive Direction® Model is a longitudinal, person-centered, and goal-driven intervention that educates mothers about Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, along with addressing their psychosocial/emotional needs to improve self-efficacy, enhance recovery, parenting, and maternal health outcomes for the mother and exposed infant. This project will not deliver the program, but instead provide external evaluation of the model implementation in Erie County, NY.
Renee Cadzow, PhD (Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo)
Gina Prescott, PharmD (Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University at Buffalo)
Sarahmona Przybyla, PhD (Co-Investigator; Department of Community Health and Health Behavior)
Laurene Tumiel-Berhalter, PhD (Co-Investigator, Department of Family Medicine)
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) - [9/15/2022 - 9/14/2025]
With the overall goal of expanding and enhancing both the existing and upcoming public health workforce, this project has several aims. First, we will offer specialized training with newly-developed or existing curricula to increase the skills and competencies of community health workers (CHWs) and health support workers, while offering financial support to offset expenses that would impede success in training. Second, we will improve CHW employment readiness and opportunities by facilitating apprenticeships within a network of partnerships. Third, this project will advance health equity and support for underserved communities by increasing the number of CHWs and health support workers that are employed in integrated care teams that use their expanded skills to reduce health disparities. PCRI will be involved in curriculum development for CHWs and the evaluation of the program.
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