Adapting the public health disease intervention specialist (DIS) model for proactive substance use disorder (SUD) intervention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded The Ohio State University a $1.399 million cooperative agreement on September 30, 2025, to adapt and implement Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) models for proactive substance use disorder intervention under the Injury Prevention and Control Research and State and Community Based Programs (CFDA 93.136).

The project will develop and execute processes for DIS staff to recognize potential substance use disorder needs among individuals contacted for infectious disease investigation or substance use concerns, provide appropriate DIS intervention, link clients to additional SUD care and services, and conduct investigations to identify and intervene among relevant SUD social networks. The primary outcome is severity of drug use at six months post-initial DIS interview. Work occurs in Ohio through September 29, 2030.

Columbus Public Health, under site program lead Dr. Audrey South, serves as a sub-recipient and will work collaboratively with OSU to adapt and implement DIS models, facilitate access for OSU research staff and clinical peer interventionists to individuals encountered by the DIS team, participate in program-level assessments including direct observations and interviews, monitor and improve various DIS programs and pathways, and share relevant data according to negotiated information sharing agreements. Columbus Public Health will develop processes for DIS staff to recognize SUD needs, provide intervention, link clients to care, and conduct investigations to identify relevant social networks in Franklin County. The sub-award was obligated February 19, 2026.

Purdue University, with Co-Investigator Dr. Jennifer Brown serving as Co-I, provides expertise on protocol development, study measure selection, and DIS approach implementation across all five project years. The sub-award was obligated November 26, 2025.