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
Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and increasing co-use of stimulants and opioids are currently driving the opioid and overdose crisis. Pain contributed to the opioid crisis and people living with pain need effective, non-addictive pain treatments.
NIH HEAL Initiative Leadership
Meet the committees, scientists, and staff who are working to end opioid use disorder long-term.
Latest Spotlight
Video: Person-Centered Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain
Researchers look for best ways to manage chronic low back pain based on people’s unique experience of pain
Explore Research, Data, and Funding
Find information for funding, create and submit a data management plan, research programs details and contacts, and research findings.
Research
Learn about HEAL research programs, funding opportunities, and read Research Spotlights.
Data
All HEAL researchers must comply with HEAL’s data sharing policy and create and submit a data management plan. All HEAL data must be findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR – see HEAL Data Sharing Policy).
Funding
Search for HEAL open funding opportunities and research concepts, review past funding opportunities, and search currently funded projects.
News and Findings From NIH HEAL Initiative Opioid and Pain Management Research
Learn more about how HEAL’s research is addressing unmet needs to the nation’s pain and opioid use disorder problem with scientific and strategic opportunities and solutions.
HEAL Strategic Planning
NIH is developing a strategic plan to establish research priorities for the next phase of the NIH HEAL initiative that ensures that the initiative continues to evolve along with drivers of the overdose epidemic to provide the greatest benefit to individuals affected by substance use and those living with pain.
News and Events
Stay informed about the latest news, events, and initiative activities.
Making a Difference
Read research findings that are making a difference to people’s lives across America through strong partnerships with federal agencies, the private sector, research institutions, and communities.