Health

Improving the health of people in the U.S. and abroad



Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, M.D., Director, Center for Multi-System Solutions to the Opioid Epidemic, on the Rewards of Treating Patients with Addiction

Read our Q&A with Dr. Salisbury Afshar >>

AIR seeks to improve people’s lives and communities by addressing all aspect of health and well-being—physical, social, emotional, and mental—from the earliest years through later in life. Our work covers a broad range of areas, including the treatment and prevention of diseases; strategies for addressing the opioid epidemic and other substance use disorders; reducing violence and human trafficking; and improving health systems, patient care, and public outreach and communications.

AIR research and evaluation experts study the implementation and effectiveness of health and well-being initiatives and programs to provide much-needed evidence to inform the field. Through our policy, practice, and systems change work, we help policymakers, leaders, and practitioners develop and implement local strategies and initiatives to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Latest Work

17 May 2019
Book

AIR Reads: A Sampling of Books by AIR Board Members, Fellows, and Staff Members

Making the world a better and more informed place drives AIR board members, fellows, and staff. These recent books examine pressing issues in depth, drawing on the best research available to understand complex challenges and offer practical solutions.
13 May 2019
In the Field

What’s Changed the Most in the Mental Health Field? AIR Experts Provide Perspective in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month

Just like physical health, mental health is crucial to everyone’s well-being. For Mental Health Awareness Month, five AIR experts reflected on three of the biggest trends and shifts they’ve observed from their collective years in the field.
Image of girl with flag holding soldier's hand
9 May 2019
Brief

How Public Datasets Can Address Data Obstacles in Pay for Success: A Demonstration for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities

As part of its Pay for Success work, AIR developed a workaround to common data obstacles these projects face. AIR was contracted to develop the evaluation design for the San Diego-based Project (re)Launch, which sought to improve employment and health outcomes for veterans with service-connected disabilities by providing intensive case management and wraparound supports.
9 May 2019
Journal Article

Knowledge of Legal Protections and Employment-Related Resources Among Young Adults with Cancer

Young adults (aged 18–39 years) who have received a cancer diagnosis can encounter significant barriers in their transition to employment. This study explored to what extent these young adults know about legal and programmatic supports that may help to address their employment-related needs, and how they would like to receive information about available resources.
Image of young girl getting onto a school bus
6 May 2019
Spotlight

Mental Health Awareness

Raising awareness and increasing the understanding of mental health can change the way society views and responds to this complex issue. AIR promotes positive mental health through school and community-based approaches involving youth, families, school, health care providers, and other stakeholders.
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