GMAP & CEsar staff attend Umd women’s basketball game

January 20, 2024

GMAP and CESAR kicked off the new year by attending the UMD versus Illinois women’s basketball game. Hopefully the first of many fun team outings in 2024. Go terps!

GMAP WELCOMES Noah Triplett AS NEW Assistant Research Professor

January 8, 2024

GMAP is thrilled to welcome Noah Triplett to the team! Noah will be joining us in the Fall of 2024 as an Assistant Research Professor. His research aims to improve health equity by studying how different socioecological factors interact to shape mental health outcomes while developing and evaluating strategies to increase the quality of and access to mental health services. Stop by Noah’s profile page to learn more.

Welcome, Noah!

Holiday Drive at University of Maryland Drug Treatment Center

December 13, 2023

GMAP was grateful to have the opportunity to collect warm clothing items, household items, and toys from the UMD community and distribute them to patients at UMDTC before the holidays. Many thanks to all those who contributed!

GMAP members present their research at annual AHSR conference

October 20, 2023

Dr. Jessica Magidson, Mary Kleinman, Kristen Regenauer and Morgan Anvari presented their research at the Addiction Health Services Research. Congrats and well done, team!

maryland today features PRism study

September 20, 2023

The University of Maryland’s Maryland Today e-newsletter recently highlighted GMAP’s NIH funded Mobile Treatment Unit (MTU) R01 study which examines the effectiveness of a peer recovery specialist-delivered intervention to improve polysubstance use and retention in mobile telemedicine opioid use disorder treatment. This study will take place on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, an underserved, rural area. Read the article Roads to Recovery: In Rural Maryland, a New ‘Been-There-Done-That’ Approach to the Opioid Crisis Offers Hope on Four Wheels and stop by the Research page on our website to learn more about the MTU R01 Study!

GMAP WELCOMES Caroline Sacko AS NEW Research Assistant

August 22, 2023

GMAP is thrilled to welcome Caroline Sacko to the team! Caroline is the new Graduate Research Assistant for the PRISM study, a NIDA funded effectiveness-implementation study that evaluates the impact of a peer-delivered behavioral health intervention on retention and polysubstance use for patients with opioid use disorder in rural Maryland.. Stop by Caroline’s profile page to learn more.

Welcome, Caroline!

GMAP WELCOMES Rithika Baskar AS NEW research assistant

July 10, 2023

GMAP is thrilled to welcome Rithka Baskar to the team! Rithika is the Research Coordinator for the HEAL Together project, an NIH HEAL initiative aiming to evaluate how peer recovery coaches can improve retention in care for underserved, minority individuals with OUD. Stop by Rithika’s profile page to learn more.

Welcome, Rithika!

GMAP WELCOMES Gabby Bozman AS NEW Peer recovery Coach

June 20, 2023

GMAP is thrilled to welcome Gabby Bozman to the team! Gabby is a Peer Recovery Coach and will serve as the Interventionist for the HEAL Together project, an NIH HEAL initiative aiming to evaluate how peer recovery coaches can improve retention in care for underserved, minority individuals with OUD. Stop by Gabby’s profile page to learn more.

Welcome, Gabby!

GMAP WELCOMES Jessica Anthony AS NEW Peer recovery Coach

April 5, 2023

GMAP is thrilled to welcome Jessica Anthony to the team! Jessica is a Peer Recovery Coach and will serve as the Interventionist for the NIDA funded PRISM study delivering behavioral activation skill training for individuals struggling with polysubstance use. She will conduct this intervention on a mobile treatment unit on the eastern shore of Maryland. Stop by Jessica’s profile page to learn more.

Welcome, Jessica!

GMAP hosts stakeholder meeting in cape town, sa

March 13, 2022

On March 13, 2023 GMAP, in collaboration with the South African Medical Research Council and the University of Cape Town, hosted a Stakeholder Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa. Attendees included representatives from the City of Cape Town, The Western Cape Department of Health, and local NGOs. The Stakeholders provided input on collaboration and partnership opportunities, shared their perspective on priorities around substance use and HIV, and gave feedback on GMAP’s studies.

We are thrilled to continue collaborating with these stakeholders to improve the lives of South Africans living with substance use disorders and HIV. Visit the Research page on our website to learn more about GMAP’s studies in South Africa.

GMAP WELCOMES Maretta Sonn AS NEW Research Coordinator

February 13, 2023

GMAP is thrilled to welcome Maretta Sonn to the team! Maretta will serve as the Research Coordinator for the NIDA funded PRISM study where she will spend the majority of her time on a mobile treatment unit on the Eastern Shore of Maryland coordinating research activities. Maretta has previously worked in psychology research labs studying self-regulation, motivation, reward anticipation and processing dysfunction. Stop by Maretta’s profile page to learn more.

Welcome, Maretta!

GMap director Named New Director of CESAR, Now the ‘Center for Substance Use And Health Research’

February 2, 2023

GMAP Director, Dr. Jessica Magidson, has been named the new director of CESAR, which has been renamed the “Center for Substance Use And Health Research”. CESAR was created in 1990 by the Governor’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission as an interdisciplinary center housed in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences dedicated to addressing the behavioral health problems substance use disorders may create for individuals, families, and communities. CESAR’s past and present efforts pair well with Dr. Magidson’s research interests—and have already overlapped through collaboration on the NIH funded HEAL initiative. The GMAP & CESAR teams are looking forward to joining efforts and continuing to collaborate on mental health and addiction related initiatives. Visit the BSOS website to read the full announcement and visit CESAR’s website to learn more about current CESAR projects.

Congratulations Dr. Magidson!

GMAP Director PRESENTs AT THE 15th Annual conference on the science of dissemination and implementation in health

December 19, 2022

GMAP Director, Dr. Jessica Magidson presented GMAP research at the Academy Health and National Institute of Health’s 15th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health in Washington, DC. Dr. Magidson presented a session “Peer recovery specialist-delivered, behavioral activation intervention to improve retention in methadone treatment: results from an open-label, type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation pilot trial” sharing results from the HEAL Together study in Baltimore.

Congratulations Dr. Magidson!

UMCP’S COLLEGE OF BEHAVIORAL & SOCIAL SCIENCES HIGHLIGHTS GMAP’S Mobile Treatment Unit STUDY

December 13, 2022

The College of Behavioral & Social Sciences (BSOS) at the University of Maryland, College Park, recently highlighted GMAP’s NIH funded Mobile Treatment Unit (MTU) R01 study which examines the effectiveness of a peer recovery specialist-delivered intervention to improve polysubstance use and retention in mobile telemedicine opioid use disorder treatment. This study will take place on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, an underserved, rural area. Visit the BSOS website to read the article and stop by the Research page on our website to learn more about the MTU R01 Study!

GMAP WELCOMES LEA SIMMS AS NEW PROGRAM MANAGER

November 28, 2022

GMAP is thrilled to welcome Lea Simms to the team! As Project Director of Project Khanya and Program Manager of GMAP’s wide portfolio of projects, Lea oversees study operations and collaborations across our team of domestic and internationally-based researchers. Lea brings with her years of experience with previous roles in at The American Society of Addiction Medicine, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and served in the Peace Corps in Botswana. Stop by Lea’s profile page to learn more.

Welcome, Lea!

KRISTEN REGENAUER HONORED WITH DR. DENNIS F. MARION RESEARCH AWARD

November 25, 2022

Graduate researcher Kristen Regenauer has been recognized for her excellence in mental health research as a 2022 recipient of the Dr. Dennis F. Marion Research Endowment Award!

This award supports merit-based research related to the study of mental health by psychology graduate students, presented twice annually by the Department of Psychology at UMD. Kristen’s dissertation is titled “Examining the Effect of Peers on Internalized Substance Use Stigma in the Context of HIV and Substance Use Care Engagement in South Africa”.

Congratulations, Kristen!

GMAP PRESENTERS AND AWARD RECIPIENTS AT ABCT 56TH ANNUAL CONVENTION IN NYC

November 20, 2022

Our researchers participated in the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) 56th Annual Convention in New York City, NY, presenting findings spanning GMAP’s global and international studies. Researchers participated as part of symposiums, panel discussions, a clinical round table, poster presentations, and attended multiple talks over the course of the four-day event.

The Behavioral Medicine and Integrated Primary Care Special Interest Group presented awards to Dr. Jessica Magidson (Excellence in Mentorship Award) and doctoral student Kristen Regenauer (Excellence in Student Research Award) during this year’s SIG Group Meeting!

Congratulations GMAP presenters, award, winners, and thank you to the organizers of this year’s convention!

ALIX ROSE RECOGNIZED WITH THE 2022 JACK BARTLETT MEMORIAL AWARD IN PSYCHOLOGY

November 8, 2022

Congratulations to Alix Rose, this year’s recipient of the prestigious Jack Bartlett Memorial Award in Psychology!

The Bartlett Award was established to honor the memory of Jack Bartlett and goes to the student who has submitted the most outstanding doctoral dissertation proposal this year.  Alix was recognized for her dissertation proposal titled "Examining Pre-Training Interpersonal Skills as a Predictor of Post-Training Competence in Mental Health Care Among Lay Health Workers in South Africa".

Congratulations, Alix!

Mary Kleinman receives 2022 Milton Dean Havron Social Sciences Award

October 19, 2022

GMAP congratulates graduate researcher Mary Kleinman for her receipt of the prestigious Milton Dean Havron Social Sciences Award!

Created over 30 years ago, the Havron Award honors top graduate students demonstrating scholarship and academic excellence in UMD’s sociology and psychology departments. Mary was recognized for her dissertation proposal titled ”The intersecting effect of substance use stigma, methadone treatment stigma, and racial stigma on methadone treatment outcomes”.

Congratulations, Mary!

GMAP study featured in APA’s Monitor on Psychology magazine Cover story about NIH HEAL Initiative

October 1, 2022

The American Psychological Association’s Monitor on Psychology Magazine (October 2022 edition) featured GMAP’s HEAL Together study as part of a cover story examining some of the NIH HEAL Initiative's approximately 600 research projects working nationwide to bring evidence-based solutions to the opioid crisis. In the article, GMAP Lab Director Dr. Jessica Magidson spoke about the HEAL Together pilot study findings, GMAP’s work understanding how peers can shift intersecting stigmas in methadone treatment, and the larger trial now underway. Read the cover story on the Monitor on Psychology website and check out the full October 2022 edition here!

UMCP’s College of Behavioral & Social Sciences Highlights GMAP’s NIH HEAL Initiative Study in “The Power of Peers”

September 8, 2022

The College of Behavioral & Social Sciences (BSOS) at the University of Maryland, College Park, recently highlighted GMAP’s NIH HEAL Initiative study examining the effectiveness of a peer recovery specialist-delivered intervention to support individuals in treatment for opioid use disorder. Visit the BSOS website to read The Power of Peers article and stop by the Research page on our website to learn more about the HEAL Together study!

Holiday Drive at University of Maryland Drug Treatment Center

December 21, 2021

GMAP was grateful to have the opportunity to collect warm clothing items from the UMD community and distribute them to patients at UMDTC before the holidays. Many thanks to all those who contributed!

GMAP members present their research at annual ABCT conference

November 19, 2021

Dr. Jenn Belus, Mary Kleinman, Alix Rose and Kristen Regenauer presented their research at the 54th annual convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). Congrats and well done, team!

Graduate student, Mary Kleinman, showcased in HEAL Research Spotlight

September 22, 2021

Graduate student, Mary Kleinman, has been showcased as an early career investigator in the “Why They HEAL” NIH HEAL Initiative Research Spotlight. To see Mary’s talk at the NIH HEAL Initiative Investigator Meeting, please click here. Congratulations on this well deserved recognition, Mary!

Welcome to PSYC Day 2021

September 13, 2021

GMAP members had a fantastic time speaking with students about our lab’s work at Welcome to Psyc Day! We’re grateful to begin having these in-person opportunities to connect again, and look forward to future Welcome to Psyc Days to come.

International Overdose Awareness Day

August 31, 2021

GMAP is sending thoughts and love to all those who have been affected by an overdose. Thank you to Mary, a 4th year grad student in GMAP, for leading the creation of informational posters on how to protect against overdoses to be hung at our partner site, the University of Maryland Drug Treatment Center (UMDTC). Today, UMDTC honors lives lost and lives saved from overdoses in many ways, including hanging a sticker for every life lost, saved, and survived.

HEAL Stigma Supplement highlighted in newly published HEAL research spotlight

August 12, 2021

Researchers, including GMAP, funded by the NIH HEAL Initiative are conducting studies on how to identify and alleviate stigma in everyday clinical encounters with people who have opioid use disorder, chronic pain, or both. Through learning about stigma and developing tools to help providers avoid it, initiative-funded scientists are aiming to increase access to addiction treatment, so that people who need, and deserve, treatment are respected and can find a long-term path to recovery. Read more about how the NIH HEAL Initiative, including GMAP’s work, is working to dismantle stigma.

GMAP first annual hike

August 06, 2021

GMAP enjoyed our first annual lab hike hosted by Dr. Magidson at Rock Creek Park! It was a great morning full of trail mix, conversation, and early birthday celebration. We look forward to making this a lab tradition, and going on hikes together more often!

Doctors without borders seeking clinical psychologists

May 18, 2021

Doctors Without Borders is urgently seeking Clinical Psychologists for projects in 70+ countries around the world. This could be a great opportunity for anyone who has professional experience in mental health issues associated with HIV/AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sexual violence, trauma or tuberculosis (TB) and an interest in giving back to the global community. Any applicants interested in applying should send their CV or resume to Melissa.bieri@newyork.msf.org with the subject line “Clinical Psychologists”. Please note that this position is not in collaboration with GMAP.

(Photo by KEREM YUCEL/AFP via Getty Images)

In solidarity with AAPI Communities

March 25, 2021

GMAP joins the UMD community condemning violence and hate towards AAPI individuals and communities, including the disgusting attack that occurred in Atlanta on March 16, and express our collective solidarity with AAPI communities. This is clearly not an isolated event, as racist language and action targeting AAPI individuals have surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and tragically even been perpetuated by some of our country's leaders. Additionally, we recognize that the man who carried out this attack appears to have targeted his violence not just towards AAPI individuals, but women in particular, and AAPI women whom he saw as "temptation" due to their actual or assumed engagement in sex work. Violence against women, sex workers, and racist violence are sadly intertwined and all too common in our country. As students, researchers, and professionals in the field of mental health, we urge our community not to conflate violence and hate crimes with mental illness.

We would like to pass along information about virtual and in-person events and resources that are available through UMD and echo the strong words of President Pines and many other leaders on campus. We also invite you to learn more about the collective action GMAP has been taking against racism through our action teams.

Cherish highlights our collaboration to examine cost effectiveness outcomes in South Africa-based work

March 12, 2021

CHERISH highlighted our collaboration on Project Khanya today with their article “Methodology Consultation Success: Dr. Jessica Magidson.” To check out the article, click here!

NIDA highlights graduate student, kristen regenauer’s, Publication in february newsletter

February 01, 2021

In their February 2021 edition of the Division of Epidemiology, Services, and Prevention Research (DESPR) Newsletter, NIDA highlighted Kristen Regenauer’s article, “That person stopped being human”: Intersecting HIV and substance use stigma among patients and providers in South Africa. Well done, Kristen!

HEAL Stigma Supplement Highlighted in NIH Update

December 16, 2020

In their “Fighting Stigma Through Research” update, the NIH highlighted GMAP’s HEAL Together Stigma Supplement. This work will examine how peers can shift stigma to retain low-income, minority individuals in opioid treatment. To learn more, click here!

New publication in Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment

November 5th, 2020

Graduate student, Mary Kleinman, along with co-authors, recently had her commentary paper “‘I have to be around people that are doing what I'm doing’: The importance of expanding the peer recovery coach role in treatment of opioid use disorder in the face of COVID-19 health disparities” published in the Journal of Substance Abuse. Congratulations, Mary!

Maryland Today Highlights GMAP’s New HEAL Supplements

October 28, 2020

Maryland Today recently published an article, UMD Researchers to Investigate Impact of COVID-19 on Opioid Crisis, about GMAP’s two recently awarded grants for our HEAL Together supplements looking at stigma and the effects of COVID-19! To read more about the supplements, check out our Research page!

New Publication in Drug and Alcohol Dependence

October 19, 2020

Graduate student, Kristen Regenauer, along with co-authors, recently had her paper “That person stopped being human”: Intersecting HIV and substance use stigma among patients and providers in South Africa accepted for publication in Drug and Alcohol Dependence! Congratulations, Kristen!

ABCT Features GMAP on “Featured Labs” Webpage

October 13, 2020

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) featured GMAP on their website, highlighting our work, and Dr. Jessica Magidson and graduate students involvement in ABCT as well as how their membership has impacted them professionally. Head over to ABCT’s “Featured Labs” webpage to learn more about GMAP and other labs’ involvement in the organization! 

NCCIH Awards GMAP with supplement for Heal Stigma extension

September 21, 2020

Dr. Jessica Magidson has been awarded over $200,000 by the NCCIH for her supplemental study “How Peers Can Shift Stigma to Retain Low-Income, Minority Individuals in Opioid Treatment.” This study is an extension of the HEAL Together study, and will test whether and how a peer recovery coach model can reduce multiple intersecting stigmas, including internalized and anticipated substance use stigma, and whether changes in stigma translate into improvements in methadone treatment retention. To learn more about our HEAL Stigma Supplement, click here!

NIDA Awards GMAP with supplement for Heal Covid-19 extension

September 11, 2020

Drs. Jessica Magidson and Annabelle Belcher have been awarded over $100,000 by NIDA for their study “Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Methadone Retention and Adherence in an Underserved, Minority Population with OUD.” This study is an extension of the HEAL Together study, and will be looking at changes in methadone treatment retention and adherence following COVID-19 dictated relaxed opioid treatment program regulations and patient and staff experiences of COVID-19 changes, including increased take home doses and tele-health services. To learn more about this study, click here!

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences & Maryland Today Recognize GMAP’s new NIH-funded Work in South Africa

September 1, 2020

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS) and Maryland Today recognized GMAP and our two new NIH-funded (one of which is co-funded by Fogarty International Center) studies based in South Africa, in partnership with SAMRC, with their articles Addressing Mental Health, Substance Use Stigma Alongside Infectious Disease and NIH Grants to Support Research on Reducing Stigma as a Barrier to Infectious Disease Care, respectively. To learn more about these studies, visit our research page for more information!

New study on the role of peers to reduce substance use stigma and improve HIV care outcomes in South Africa

August 27, 2020

Co-funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and Fogarty International Center (FIC), Dr. Jessica Magidson at UMD and Dr. Bronwyn Myers at SAMRC have been funded over $350,000 to develop and evaluate a peer recovery coach model in community-based HIV teams in South Africa to reduce substance use stigma and improve HIV treatment engagement. This project also includes a specific capacity building component to train students and health workers in both sub-Saharan Africa and at UMD in how to conduct mental health and substance use stigma research in low-resource settings. Joining with GMAP and SAMRC for this project are co-investigators Dr. Ingrid Bassett at Massachusetts General Hospital and Dr. Brandon Kohrt at George Washington University. Click here to learn more about this project!

New NIMH grant awarded to our team to evaluate a CHW training in TB/HIV care in South Africa

August 18, 2020

GMAP is launching a new study in Cape Town in partnership with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).  NIMH has awarded Dr. Jessica Magidson at UMD and Dr. Bronwyn Myers at SAMRC new funding of over $600,000 to train CHWs to support re-engagement in TB/HIV care in the context of depression and substance use stigma. This work will adapt a novel CHW training program to reduce CHW stigma towards depression and substance use, and evaluate theoretically-driven implementation science outcomes and patient re-engagement in TB/HIV care. To learn more about this project, click here.

The power of Been there, done that - maryland today

July 29, 2020

Maryland Today, a UMD faculty, staff and student e-newsletter, highlighted GMAP & Michigan State University’s work funded by FORE with their article The Power of Been There, Done That. This project aims to develop a training manual for peer recovery coaches serving low-income, minority communities in Detroit as well as Baltimore - click here to learn more about the project!

fore webinar to feature GMAP researchers discussing peer recovery coaches and covid-19

May 26, 2020

Join us on Thursday, May 28th, at 3pm EST as Dr. Jessica Magidson, Dr. Julia Felton, and Dwayne Dean, certified peer recovery specialist, discuss how peer recovery coaches continue to safely and effectively help clients in recovery, as well as care for themselves, during the rapidly evolving circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the latest live webinar in a weekly series hosted by the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts Foundation.

Mary Kleinman Awarded George M. Phillips Public Service Initiative Scholarship

May 6, 2020

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences has awarded the George M. Phillips Public Service Initiative Scholarship to Mary Kleinman. Mary is a doctoral student in the University of Maryland Clinical Psychology program. Her research focus extends across multiple Baltimore-based GMAP studies that aim to improve substance use treatment experiences for underserved minority populations. Mary also leads research investigating syndemic factors that influence retention in medication for opioid use disorder. The George M. Phillips Public Service Initiative was established in 1998 with the aim of supporting BSOS students whose work investigates critical societal challenges in order to address major social issues, inform policy, and shape the future.

FORE Grant Awarded in MSU-UMD partnership

April 9, 2020

The Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts has awarded over $555,000 to Michigan State University in a partnership with GMAP at UMD to develop a training manual for peer recovery coaches serving low-income, minority communities in Detroit as well as Baltimore. FORE supports partners in advancing patient-centered, innovative, evidenced-based solutions to the opioid crisis. The approach will serve as a guide to coaches in providing positive reinforcement and helping those in treatment to schedule and engage in valued activities. Researchers will examine the effectiveness of the intervention, supervision and training models, and share results with policymakers and treatment programs. Visit the FORE website to learn more about this and other FORE initiatives.

Elizabeth Hutman Presents gmap research at the umd school of public health poster session

March 4, 2020

The UMD School of Public Health Poster Session on March 4th featured a presentation by GMAP RA Elizabeth Hutman, an undergraduate researcher who focuses her efforts on START Together and Project Khanya. Elizabeth decided to intern at GMAP for her undergraduate Community Health capstone internship and her responsibilities include data management, qualitative/fidelity coding, and ethics amendments. When speaking with visitors, Elizabeth shared her perspective on the best skills to have for working at GMAP such as the ability to multitask, collaborate with others, and time efficiency.

GMAP Researchers Present at the 12th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation

December 10, 2019

Last week, GMAP researchers Dr. Jessica Magidson, Dr. Jenn Belus, and Mary Kleinman participated in the 12th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health held in Arlington, Virginia. The international D&I conference served as a great opportunity for GMAP researchers to meet with both our domestic and international collaborators.

Based on GMAP's international research, Dr. Belus presented on the substance use referral rate, treatment utilization, and costs associated with untreated problematic substance use in people living with HIV (PLWH) in Cape Town, South Africa. Through GMAP's domestic work, Mary presented on the implementation of a peer-delivered linkage-to-care intervention in a community resource center serving homeless and low-income residents of Baltimore, Maryland. Mary was one of nine D&I presenters invited to participate in a Poster Slam Session, presenting her research in a five minute speed round followed by questions fielded from the audience.

Well done, D&I presenters!

GMAP Researchers present at the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) 53rd Annual Convention

November 22, 2019

GMAP team members have returned from a successful trip to Atlanta, GA, where they presented GMAP research at the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) 53rd Annual Convention. Dr. Jessica Magidson and Mary Kleinman co-chaired the symposium on 'Lessons Learned From Peer- and Lay Health Worker–Delivered Evidence-Based Interventions in Underserved Settings Locally and Globally'. Based on GMAP's work in South Africa, Dr. Jenn Belus presented a clinical case series of a behavioral activation intervention in Cape Town, and Alix Rose presented research findings on the desired qualities of lay healthcare providers. From GMAP's work domestically, Mary Kleinman presented on the implementation of peer-led behavioral activation in a community setting in Baltimore. Kristen Regenauer presented a first-author poster at the Behavioral Medicine and Integrated Primary Care (BMED/IPC) Special Interest Group (SIG) Table at ABCT. Our colleagues, Dr. Ali Giusto from Columbia and Dr. Sarah Valentine from Boston University, rounded out the presentations on lay provider-delivered interventions in Kenya and the US. 

Congratulations ABCT participants!

Valerie joins gmap as heal together research coordinator

September 30, 2019

As Valerie Bradley approaches the end of her masters program in clinical psychological science at University of Maryland-College Park, GMAP is thrilled to have her transition from a research assistant to the HEAL Together research coordinator. Starting full time in November, Valerie looks forward to continuing to work as part of the GMAP team on this exciting new project.

Dr. Magidson Receives NIH HEAL Initiative Research Grant

September 26, 2019

The NIH HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative awarded over $800,000 for Dr. Magidson’s proposed two-phase, effectiveness-implementation study of a peer-delivered behavioral activation intervention for improving retention in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Dr. Magidson’s study is part of the Behavioral Research to Improve Medication-Based Treatment (BRIM) initiative, which aims to support research that assesses whether behavioral interventions can improve medication-based treatment outcomes. GMAP is partnering with University of Maryland Community Drug Treatment Center’s outpatient opioid treatment program for this project (Director, Dr. Aaron Greenblatt), where the study will take place. Read more about it from NIH and University of Maryland’s Division of Research, Brain and Behavior Initiative and College of Behavioral & Social Sciences.

GMAP engages with the psychology community at Welcome to psyc day 2019

September 9, 2019

GMAP participated in the University of Maryland Psychology Department’s annual Welcome to Psyc Day event, along with dozens of other psychology programs, student organizations and research labs. We enjoyed connecting with prospective undergraduate research assistants and the UMD psychology community.  

GMAP Participates in the UMD Community drug Treatment Center’s National Recovery Month Cookout

September 4, 2019

Mary Kleinman, Alyssa Precil and Frances Loeb attended a cookout event celebrating national recovery month at our new community partnership, University of Maryland Community Drug Treatment Center. Alongside other community resources, they set up a table where patients could learn more about our new study based at the treatment center exploring syndemic factors in Opioid Use Disorder. Staff, patients and community partners listened to music from a DJ, danced and enjoyed delicious food. The event underscored how strong the community is at the treatment center and our enthusiasm for the new collaboration.  

GMAP Welcomes Dr. CJ Seitz-Brown to the Team

August 26, 2019

GMAP is thrilled to welcome Dr. CJ Seitz-Brown to our lab. He is a new assistant clinical professor at University of Maryland and has been a close collaborator of Dr. Magidson’s for over ten years. He brings a wealth of experience in behavioral activation, substance use treatment, establishing community partnerships in DC and in South Africa, and qualitative interviewing. He also loves clinical supervision and mentoring, so will be adding a lot to our team and lab!  

GMAP held Inaugural Writing Retreat

August 22, 2019

GMAP gathered for our inaugural writing retreat at the Petworth Library in Washington, DC. Dr. Jenn Belus led with a writing warm up and the group set goals for the retreat. Lab members wrote grant applications and manuscripts individually, but also had time to review their writing with one another. The group found the writing retreat productive and it underscored the importance of carving out focused, writing time.  

Doctoral Student, Kristen Regenauer, Joins GMAP

August 12, 2019

Kristen Regenauer kicked off her first year of her clinical psychology PhD with Math Camp. Kristen comes from the Behavioral Medicine Program at Massachusetts General Hospital/ Harvard Medical School where she worked with GMAP from Boston. She is excited to be in the lab full time continuing her work on Project Khanya and starting her graduate school research.

Dr. Jenn belus completes principles of std/hiv research course

August 5, 2019

Dr. Jenn Belus was selected to attend the University of Washington's Principles of STD/HIV Research course from July 22- August 2. The course is designed to advance the training of scholars conducting research in the areas of HIV and sexual health, both in relevant content and methods, as well as connect with other researchers globally.

Dr. Magidson returns from iri

June 24, 2019

Dr. Magidson was selected to be the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) fellow for the Implementation Research Institute (IRI) training program. Dr. Magidson spent the week at Washington University in St. Louis learning from and collaborating with other investigators in implementation science.

alix rose presents at cultural-clinical psychology small conference

May 23, 2019

Alix Rose presented her Master’s thesis research topic during the ‘Data blitz’ presentations at the Cultural-Clinical Psychology small conference held at Georgetown University. This summer, Alix will look at early data from Project Khanya. Specifically, Alix will conduct an event level analysis of the relationship between problematic alcohol use and ART non-adherence using objective data from the Wisepill device and the Timeline Follow-back.

Dr. magidson and alix rose publish in ABCT’s ‘the Behavior therapist’

May 7, 2019

Dr. Magidson and Alix Rose recently published an article on task sharing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression and substance use in ABCT’s April issue of the Behavior Therapist. The article draws on GMAP and our collaborators’ ongoing projects in South Africa, including Life Steps, Zimphamandla, and Project Khanya. Each project has included adaptation of a behavioral intervention for delivery by nurses and/or lay counselors.

Read more here.

Morgan anvari wins bronze for poster

April 15, 2019

Undergraduate research assistant Morgan Anvari was one of 70 undergraduates to present at the Psychology Undergraduate Research Fair. Morgan presented on a study she conducted in Dr. Clara Hill’s research lab. Specifically, she explored associations between client expression of emotion and therapists’ skill types in psychotherapy sessions. Morgan was awarded the 'Outstanding Poster - Bronze Award’ based on faculty judges’ feedback.

Hannah tralka awarded maryland summer scholars award

April 12, 2019

Undergraduate research assistant Hannah Tralka was awarded a Maryland Summer Scholars Award. This award will support Hannah to work at GMAP over the summer, where she will conduct a secondary analysis with data from ‘Act Healthy’, a behavioral activation intervention for HIV-positive individuals with problematic substance use at an inpatient treatment center in DC. Hannah will explore the effects of sexual and gender minority status on treatment outcomes, including time to relapse. Congratulations, Hannah!

DR. Belus returns from South Africa

April 3, 2019

Dr. Belus recently traveled to Durban, South Africa to meet with collaborators at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and organize details to get started with Project START Together. In this photo, Dr. Belus poses with Lindani Msimango and Yvonne Mdakane, the qualitative interviewers hired for the first phase of the project.

Christine Wan awarded a bsos summer scholars award

March 28, 2019

Undergraduate research assistant Christine Wan was awarded a Summer Scholars Award through the University of Maryland’s Behavioral & Social Sciences College. This award will support Christine to work at GMAP over the summer, where she will support data analysis for Project Khanya and conduct participant assessments for Project Peer Act!vate. Congratulations, Christine!

Emily satinsky and mary kleinman present at sbm

March 8, 2019

Emily Satinsky and Mary Kleinman presented a poster on the first phase of Project Peer Act!vate at the Society for Behavioral Medicine’s 40th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions. The poster focused on Paul’s Place guest, staff, and peer recovery advocates’ perspectives on how to best adapt a peer-delivered behavioral activation intervention for substance use with guests at Paul’s Place.

Emily satinsky Publishes masters thesis

February 22, 2019

Emily Satinsky published a systematic review in Health Policy. The review, conducted as part of her Masters in Global Mental Health, explores mental health care utilization and access among refugees and asylum seekers in Europe.

Read more here.

GMAP Returns from south africa

February 4, 2019

Dr. Magidson, Dr. Belus, and Alix Rose recently returned from a training trip to South Africa. Sibabalwe recently joined the Project Khanya team as an on-site research assistant, so the team spent time bonding and training. Welcome, Siba!

GMAP Volunteers at Paul’s Place

January 11, 2019

The GMAP team had an excellent turnout for a volunteer day at Paul’s Place. We donated clothes from our winter clothing drive and then volunteered greeting guests, serving lunch, sorting clothes, and helping guests shop in the market place. Afterward, we met with colleagues at the University of Maryland Baltimore’s Department of Psychiatry to discuss upcoming collaborations.

Dwayne dean wins GOVERNOR’s CITATION AWARD

December 11, 2018

Dwayne Dean was once again honored for his amazing work as a peer recovery coach. Dwayne received the 2018 Maryland Governor’s Citation award for his outstanding services to the citizens of Maryland at a leadership awards breakfast and meeting. Dwayne and his team at the University of Maryland-Midtown hospital have exponentially improved outcomes in the emergency department by linking over 600 patients to substance use treatment in 2018 alone.

Dwayne dean wins carroll conquest award

December 6, 2018

Dwayne Dean was awarded the Carroll Conquest Award for Outstanding Leadership at the Behavioral Health Administration’s 5th Annual Peer Networking and Leadership Conference. Peer Recovery Specialists from all over Maryland came together to discuss the recovery movement. Dwayne was nominated by several of his peers and colleagues and was the second ever recipient of this award.

gmap PRESENTS AT ABCT

November 16-17, 2018

The GMAP team met in DC for the annual Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) conference. Project Khanya collaborator Lena Andersen flew in from South Africa, Kristen Regenauer from Boston, and collaborator Steve Safren from Miami. Kristen and Emily Satinsky presented posters, Alix Rose and Dr. Belus spoke on a panel, and Dr. Magidson moderated two panels, participated in a panel, spoke at a symposium, and co-chaired the Behavioral Medicine and Integrated Primary Care Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting. During this SIG meeting, Alix was awarded a graduate student research award!

Washington post features gmap team member

October 28, 2018

Peer Act!vate’s PRA, Dwayne Dean, was featured in the Washington Post for his work as a Recovery coach at the University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus in West Baltimore. In the face of an overdose epidemic, the Post describes evolving emergency services, including increases in dispensing Medication-Assisted Treatment such as buprenorphine and methadone, as well as integration of peer recovery coaches.

Read the article here.

First volunteer day at paul’s place

October 15, 2018

Dr. Jenn Belus, Mary Kleinman, Emily Satinsky, and Valerie Bradley met at Paul’s Place for GMAP’s inaugural volunteer day! After a tour of Paul’s Place and an introduction to its amazing resources, the team got on their hairnets and gloves for an afternoon serving lunch. We plan to schedule many more volunteer days in the future!

GMAP TABLES AT WELCOME TO PSYC DAY

September 17, 2018

The GMAP team gathered at the Welcome to PSYC day to meet undergraduate psychology students and discuss our research and opportunities to get involved. We are so excited by the interest in our lab! If you would like to apply for an undergraduate RA position with GMAP, please complete this application. We look forward to hearing from you!

UMD TEAM WElcome

 August 27, 2018

Doctoral students, Alix Rose and Mary Kleinman, and postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Jenn Belus have officially arrived on campus! The full UMD team came together for the first time for a kick-off ice cream party! We spent the meeting discussing our current and future research projects and mapping out roles for the upcoming year. 

Dr. Magidson, Dr. belus and KRisten Regenauer travel to Cape Town

 August 13, 2018

Drs. Magidson and Belus and Kristen Regenauer recently traveled to Cape Town (August 10-18) to meet with the project team. While they were in South Africa, the team conducted participant Screening Interviews and the first Baseline assessments--the Project Khanya Intervention has launched and is underway!

Kayla griffin presents at Bsos SRI research symposium

 July 27, 2018

Kayla Griffin presented her poster comparing feedback on a peer-delivered Behavioral Activation Intervention for substance use in Cape Town, South Africa and Baltimore, Maryland at the BSOS SRI Research Symposium on July 27th. During her time with GMAP, Kayla had the opportunity to conduct qualitative interviews with guests at Paul's Place, Inc. in Baltimore. The research symposium marked the culmination of the two-month Summer Research Initiative (SRI) program through the University of Maryland's Behavioral & Social Sciences College. 

TEAM attends harm reduction summit

 June 28, 2018

Emily Satinsky, Hannah Tralka, and Kayla Griffin attended the Maryland Harm Reduction Summit, put on by the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration and the University of Maryland Training Center, in Baltimore on June 28th. Incoming student, Mary Kleinman, helped plan the hugely-successful event. Throughout the day, the GMAP team learned about and discussed racial justice, trauma, and client-centered care. 

PHASE I of PRA Research begins at Paul's Place

 June 19, 2018

After hiring Dwayne Dean as our PRA, the full team met for a Phase I planning meeting on July 12th. One week later, we began conducting key informant interviews with guests at Paul's Place. Focus group coming soon!

PARTNERSHIP FOR DRUG-FREE KIDS FEATURES LAB Research

 June 14, 2018

The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids recently featured Dr. Magidson's research from Massachusetts General Hospital. This study demonstrates reduced hospitalizations among patients with substance use disorders following recovery coach contact. Research findings underscore the importance of our peer-delivered substance use interventions in Cape Town and Baltimore. 

Read the article here.

Dr. Magidson wins ASAM Young Investigator Award

April 14, 2018

The American Society of Addiction Medicine presented Dr. Magidson with the ASAM Abstract Submission Award: Young Investigator. The award is presented to the highest scoring abstract in either round of abstract submissions, with a primary author who is within five years of completion of a medical residency or receipt of a doctoral degree. Her award was presented during the Awards Luncheon on April 14th during the ASAM Annual Conference in San Diego. 

DR. MAGIDSON PRESENTS AT SBM CONFERENCE

April 13, 2018

Dr. Magidson presented at the Society of Behavioral Medicine's 39th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions on April 13th. Her presentation, titled "Adapting evidence-based, peer-delivered substance use treatment for HIV care in South Africa," covered formative findings from Phase I of Project Khanya. Particularly, her talk discussed patient responses to Behavioral Activation and patient and provider beliefs regarding who should deliver the intervention. 

Emily satinsky presents at public health Maryland

April 3, 2018

Emily Satinsky presented a poster on patient and provider perceptions around mixing alcohol and ARV medication at Reimagining Health: Public Health Maryland on April 3. In addition to presenting qualitative findings from Project Khanya, she judged undergraduate and graduate posters at the session. 

Scholars of the Mixed Methods Research Training Program for Health Sciences

March 1, 2018

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland has accepted Dr. Magidson into the fourth cohort of Scholars of the Mixed Methods Research Training Program for the Health Sciences. She will attend a retreat between June 18th and 20th during which she will prepare and present her mixed methods project. 

PRA Research Launches at Paul's Place

January 1, 2018

January 1st marked the launch of our project in Baltimore: Utilizing Peer Recovery Advocates to Implement an Evidence-Based Intervention to Decrease Substance use among Low-income Minority Adults. We are currently working with Paul's Place, a community outreach center in Pigtown, Baltimore to hire a Peer Recovery Advocate (PRA) and begin the formative research.