Research with Expert Advisors on Drug Use
A community-based participatory research team at the University of Washington
Research by us, for us.
Research with Expert Advisors on Drug Use (READU) is a community-based participatory research team at the University of Washington founded in 2022. Our work is guided by foundational harm reduction principles and carried out by a team of researchers with lived and living experience with drug use.
“To be allowed to be that voice for people who haven’t traditionally had a voice is so rich. The work we’re doing is so enriching. In all my years, I have never grown this far—not just professionally, but in my recovery and my family.”
–Adonica Warth, Peer Research Coordinator
What we’re working on now
- Improving first responder interactions and combating stigma against people who use drugs (CLEARS)
- Supporting first responder implementation of leave-behind naloxone (FR CARA)
- Evaluating the population-level impact of recent changes to King County’s overdose response system (ORCID)
- Evaluating linkage to medications for opioid use disorder and other resources for people who use drugs (OD2A-State, Local)
- Providing consultation on programs for MOUD access at Veteran’s Affairs (VA) and in community settings (VOICE, CBOT)
Student Volunteer Opportunity: ORCID Study & READU Team
Join the ORCID Study and READU team as a student volunteer and get hands-on experience in community-engaged research. Volunteers may have the opportunity to support participant interviews, learn more about substance use trends in King County, and contribute to research that is grounded in community partnership and lived experience. This is a great opportunity for students interested in public health, harm reduction, and equity-focused research. Email: readuresearch@gmail.com.
Community-based research
Community expertise
Our team includes people with lived and living experience with drug use, whose expertise drives and guides the research.
Drug user health equity
Our work is centered in drug user health equity, improving overdose response within the emergency medical services (EMS) system and reducing stigma against people who use drugs.
Knowledge translation
READU is committed to ongoing communication and collaboration with our participants and our community.
News and updates
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READU wins the Mosaic Award at the Academy Health Conference!
This summer READU was invited to present at several conferences, and we kicked off our conference season with the Academy Health conference earlier this June. READU members presented… -
ORCID Aim 1 preliminary findings posters
ORCID Aim 1 preliminary findings posters Using art made by READU members, we created posters to communicate preliminary (early) findings from Aim 1 ORCID surveys. As the study… -
ORCID AIM 1 DATA SHARING MEETINGS
ORCID Aim 1 data sharing meetings In July 2025, we began hosting data sharing events at our data collection sites to reflect back what we have heard so…
Partners
