Construction Commences on New National Center for Opioid Research in the United States

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August 23, 2025

New National Center to Tackle Opioid Crisis‘ Impact on Children

The National Center for Opioid Research & Clinical Effectiveness is scheduled to open in 2027. (Credit: Arkansas Children’s)

Little Rock, Arkansas – construction has commenced on The National Center for Opioid Research & Clinical Effectiveness (NCOR), a groundbreaking facility spearheaded by Arkansas children’s in partnership with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office. The initiative aims to address the escalating opioid crisis and its devastating effects on vulnerable populations.

Addressing a Critical Need

Dr. Alicia Allen, a renowned behavioral epidemiologist specializing in opioid use disorder, has been appointed as the Director of the new center. Her expertise will be crucial in guiding NCOR’s research and outreach efforts. The NCOR initiative, first conceived in 2023, will specifically focus on the unique impact of the opioid crisis and substance misuse on pregnant individuals, new mothers, and their children – from foetal development through adolescence.

Facility Details

The 65,000-square-foot facility, located within the arkansas Children’s Research Institute (ACRI), will serve as a hub for both cutting-edge research and impactful community engagement. The center aims to translate research findings into practical programmes supporting families and improving health outcomes. It is anticipated to be fully operational by 2027, substantially bolstering the region’s capacity to address this complex public health challenge.

A Collaborative Funding Model

The project is being financed through a substantial $75 million investment, with $55 million sourced from settlements with opioid and vaping manufacturers and the remaining $20 million provided by Arkansas Children’s. This demonstrates a unified commitment from both public and private sectors to combating the opioid epidemic.

Executive Perspectives

Marcy Doderer, President and CEO of arkansas Children’s, emphasized the profound impact of the opioid crisis on Arkansas families. “We witness the consequences daily in our neonatal intensive care unit, clinics, and emergency rooms,” she stated. “Establishing this center is a bold step towards a healthier future for children across our region and nation. The dedication and expertise of our team will be instrumental in improving the lives of those affected by this crisis.”

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin underscored the importance of the centre, stating that the funds allocated represent a commitment to support families and address the underlying causes of addiction. Dr. Allen echoed these sentiments, highlighting the centre’s commitment to destigmatizing opioid use disorder and fostering an habitat where families feel empowered to seek help.

The Scope of the Opioid Crisis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. CDC Data shows a concerning rise in overdose deaths, particularly among young adults. This new research center comes at a critical time, as communities across the country struggle to cope with the ongoing effects of the opioid epidemic.

Key NCOR Details	Details
Location	arkansas Children’s Research Institute (ACRI)
Size	65,000 square feet
Funding	$75 million ($55M settlements, $20M Arkansas Children’s)
Projected Completion	2027
Focus	Maternal & Child health; Opioid Use Disorder

Did You Know? Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), where newborns experience withdrawal symptoms from opioid exposure in utero, has increased significantly in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for research and intervention.

Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction,resources are available. Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Governance (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Long-Term Implications and Future Research

The establishment of NCOR represents a long-term investment in the health and well-being of future generations. By focusing on early intervention and prevention, the center hopes to break the cycle of addiction and mitigate the devastating consequences of parental opioid use on child development. Future projects are anticipated to include advanced studies into the neurobiological effects of opioid exposure during critical developmental stages and the development of novel treatment strategies tailored to the unique needs of children and families affected by substance use.

Frequently Asked questions About the NCOR

• What is the primary focus of the NCOR? The NCOR focuses on research and clinical effectiveness related to the impact of opioid use and misuse on foetuses, newborns, children, adolescents, and their families.
• How is the NCOR being funded? Funding comes from a combination of settlement funds from opioid and vaping lawsuits and a direct investment from Arkansas Children’s.
• When is the NCOR expected to be operational? The centre is scheduled to open in 2027.
• What types of research will be conducted at the NCOR? Research will encompass a broad range of topics, including the effects of opioids on child development, prevention strategies, and innovative treatment approaches.
• How will the NCOR benefit the community? The centre will provide outreach programs, educational resources, and access to specialized care for families affected by opioid use disorder.
• Who is leading the NCOR? Dr. Alicia Allen, a behavioural epidemiologist specializing in opioid use disorder, is the director of the facility.
• Is the opioid crisis still a major concern? yes, the opioid crisis continues to be a meaningful public health crisis with rising overdose rates and devastating consequences for individuals and families.

What are your thoughts on this new research centre? Do you think more facilities like this are needed across the country?

Share this article with your network to raise awareness about the critical need for research and resources to combat the opioid crisis.

How might the NCOR’s research on addiction neuroscience contribute to the progress of more effective prevention strategies?

A Landmark Investment in combating the Opioid Crisis

Groundbreaking ceremonies took place this week for the new National Center for Opioid research (NCOR), a federally funded initiative poised to revolutionize our understanding and treatment of opioid use disorder and chronic pain management. Located in Bethesda, Maryland, the facility represents a meaningful commitment to addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic impacting communities nationwide. This center isn’t just about research; it’s about delivering tangible solutions to a complex public health crisis.

Core Research Areas & Objectives

The NCOR will focus on a multi-pronged approach, encompassing several key research areas. These include:

Novel Pain Therapies: Investigating non-opioid alternatives for acute and chronic pain, including advancements in neuromodulation, regenerative medicine, and targeted drug delivery.

Addiction Neuroscience: Deepening our understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying opioid addiction, craving, and relapse.This will involve advanced neuroimaging techniques and genetic studies.

Prevention Strategies: Developing and evaluating innovative opioid overdose prevention programs, including expanded access to naloxone and community-based interventions.

Treatment optimization: Improving the effectiveness of existing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options, such as buprenorphine and methadone, and exploring new pharmacological interventions.

Data Analytics & Epidemiology: Utilizing big data and advanced analytics to track opioid prescribing patterns, identify high-risk populations, and monitor the impact of interventions.

Funding and collaborative Partnerships

The project receives $500 million in funding over the next decade, allocated through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A crucial aspect of the NCOR’s strategy is fostering collaboration. Key partnerships have already been established with:

1. Leading academic institutions, including Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, San Francisco.
2. Pharmaceutical companies committed to developing non-addictive pain relievers.
3. Community organizations working directly with individuals affected by substance use disorder.
4. The Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for epidemiological data sharing and analysis.

These collaborations aim to accelerate the translation of research findings into real-world applications.

Impact on Chronic Pain Management

The NCOR’s research into alternative pain management strategies is notably promising. The current reliance on opioids for pain relief has contributed significantly to the epidemic. The center will prioritize research into:

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation: exploring the efficacy of innovative physical therapy techniques and rehabilitation programs for chronic pain conditions.

Mind-Body Therapies: Investigating the role of mindfulness, yoga, and other mind-body practices in pain management.

Interventional Pain Management: Developing less invasive procedures for targeted pain relief, such as nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulation.

Cannabinoids for Pain: Rigorous scientific evaluation of the potential benefits and risks of medical marijuana and other cannabinoid-based therapies for chronic pain.(Referencing Mayo Clinic resources on opioids: https://www.mayoclinic.org/opioids)

Addressing the Overdose Crisis: Naloxone Access & Harm Reduction

A significant portion of the NCOR’s resources will be dedicated to opioid overdose prevention. This includes:

Expanding Naloxone Distribution: Supporting initiatives to increase access to naloxone,a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.

Harm Reduction Strategies: Evaluating the effectiveness of harm reduction approaches, such as syringe exchange programs and safe consumption sites.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Developing and disseminating public health messages to educate individuals about the risks of opioid misuse and the importance of seeking help.

Fentanyl Detection: Researching and implementing rapid fentanyl test strip distribution and education programs.

Real-World Exmaple: The Ohio Opioid Response

Ohio has been at the forefront of the opioid crisis, experiencing some of the highest overdose rates in the nation.The state’s aggressive approach to expanding naloxone access and implementing harm reduction strategies provides a valuable case study for the NCOR. Data from Ohio demonstrates a correlation between increased naloxone availability and a reduction in overdose fatalities. The NCOR will analyze such data to inform national policy recommendations.

Benefits of the National Center for Opioid Research

Accelerated Revelation: Streamlined research processes and collaborative partnerships will expedite the development of new treatments and prevention strategies.

Improved Patient Outcomes: More effective pain management options and increased access to addiction treatment will lead to better health outcomes for individuals affected by the opioid crisis.

Reduced Healthcare Costs: By preventing addiction and reducing overdose deaths, the NCOR will help lower healthcare costs associated with the opioid epidemic.

Enhanced Public Safety: addressing the opioid crisis will contribute to safer communities and a reduction in crime rates.

Data-Driven Policy: The NCOR’s research will provide policymakers with the evidence-based data needed to make informed decisions about opioid policy.

Practical Tips for Individuals & Families

safe medication Storage: Store all medications, including opioids, in a secure location out of reach of children and teenagers.

Proper Disposal of Unused Medications: Dispose of unused medications at designated