U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
What is the NIH HEAL Initiative?
The Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative®, is an NIH-wide effort to speed scientific solutions to stem the national opioid public health crisis. Almost every NIH Institute and Center is accelerating research to address this public health emergency from all angles.
The initiative funds over 1,000 projects nationwide. Researchers are taking a variety of approaches to address the opioid epidemic through:
- Understanding, managing, and treating pain
- Improving prevention and treatment for opioid misuse and addiction
Advancing Scientific Knowledge About the Opioid Crisis
The public health crisis of opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose in America continues to evolve rapidly and overlaps with other significant public health challenges, including untreated chronic pain and mental illness.
The NIH HEAL Initiative is using an all-hands-on-deck approach to address these challenges. The initiative brings together scientists, community members, the private sector, and multiple levels of government – all sharply focused on ending the opioid crisis.
Why HEAL?
The public health crisis of opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose in America continues to evolve rapidly.
The Opioid Crisis
Inadequate pain treatment is a driver of the opioid and overdose crisis.
NIH HEAL Initiative Leadership
Meet the committees, scientists, and staff who are working to end opioid use disorder long-term.
Latest Spotlight
Video: What Makes Pain-Sensing Nerve Cells Unique?
A molecular inventory of pain-sensing nerve cells may lead to more targeted therapies
Explore Research, Data, and Funding
Find information for funding, create and submit a data management plan, research programs details and contacts, and research findings.
