2012 Annual Report :: NSU Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities

Directors’ Message The Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities (ARSH) is celebrating many accomplishments in 2012. In its first full year of affiliation with Nova Southeastern University, ARSH maintained its position as one of the top units at NSU for securing external funding. As is evidenced in this report, this funding has enabled our Center to conduct national research on prescription drug diversion, as wells as locally-based research studies among several vulnerable populations, including young adults, gay and bisexual men, and African American women. The products of these efforts include numerous publications and presentations at the local, national, and international levels, in addition to the health and social benefits experienced by our research participants. As we look toward another successful year, ARSH remains committed to NSU’s Vision 2020. Our Center will continue to focus our research efforts among South Florida’s vulnerable populations. Through innovative ideas, research design, publications and outreach, ARSH will build upon its rich history of substance use and HIV behavioral research, while at the same time advancing NSU’s reputation as a top-tier research institution. ARSH researchers are committed to pursuing new external funding opportunities in order to expand the scope of our work and to continue to help those in the greatest need. The work we do requires a team effort. We wish to thank all of our research staff, external collaborators, and the NSU community for your vision, commitments and talents. We share ARSH’s successful year with all of you. 3