Health

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



Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, M.D., Director, Center for Addiction Research and Effective Solutions, 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 aspects 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

Graphic showing 2019 turning to 2020
11 Dec 2019
Spotlight

AIR 2019 Highlights: Advancing Equity Through Evidence

Equity is at the heart of AIR’s mission and work. In 2019, AIR’s experts contributed evidence and insights in support of equal access to a good education, quality health care services, and robust opportunities in the workforce. Learn how AIR’s mission-focused work in research, evaluation, and technical assistance is improving people’s lives across the U.S. and around the world.
Woman and child hugging
25 Nov 2019
Spotlight

Raising Awareness of HIV/AIDS Prevention

Across the world, medical and government leaders are working toward an “AIDS-free generation,” based on the promising potential of effective treatments. Learn more about the latest work in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention.
student and teacher working on math problem
4 Nov 2019
In the Field

Supporting Students in Secure Care Through Title I, Part D

Educating students who have been neglected, delinquent, or are otherwise at-risk requires specialized training and careful collaboration across the agencies responsible for serving for these students. For this reason, each state receives funding from the U.S. Department of Education through the Title I, Part D Neglected or Delinquent Programs. Determining the best use of these funds is a top priority for all Title I, Part D coordinators.
16 Oct 2019
Journal Article

High School Personality and Dementia

Personality phenotype has been associated with subsequent dementia in studies of older adults. This study used Project Talent data to examine whether personality during adolescence—a time when pre-clinical dementia pathology is unlikely to be present—confers risk for dementia in later life.
Image of doctor consulting with patient
11 Sep 2019
Brief

What I Want My Doctor to Know About How Arthritis and Chronic Pain Affect My Everyday Life

The rapid growth in opioid overdoses has put a spotlight on prescribing patterns, with increased pressure on clinicians to reduce opioid prescribing, especially for long-term management of chronic, noncancer pain. This brief is the result of interviews conducted with people with a disability due to arthritis, who are on long-term opioids or have stopped taking opioids after developing an opioid use disorder.
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