Our Commitment

The EMPOWER Project is committed to listening to patient stories and ensuring that the voices of those with lived experiences drive meaningful change in healthcare.

Key areas of focus include examining access to care, where the impacts of trauma and stigma must be recognized as crucial barriers on the patient’s journey.

Our Approach

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Mission

The EMPOWER Project’s mission is to meaningfully enhance outcomes and expand options for pregnant and postpartum individuals with substance use through patient-centered, collaborative, and co-designed research.

Together, we are driving meaningful change and fostering a future where care is equitable, compassionate, and informed by those it impacts the most.

Tailored Peer-Support Training

Developed by individuals with lived experience of substance use during pregnancy, our peer-support training programs are uniquely tailored to provide compassionate, informed guidance to those navigating similar paths.

Mind Mapping Sessions

Through dynamic mind-mapping sessions, EMPOWER Project Partners come together to identify and prioritize critical topics for future research. This collective approach ensures that the research agenda reflects the most pressing needs of the community.

Examining Access to Care

Access to care is essential, but the journey is often fraught with challenges. Trauma and stigma must be recognized and addressed as pivotal elements influencing a patient’s ability to seek and receive care.

Research

Featured

The EMPOWER Project’s mission is to meaningfully enhance outcomes and expand options for pregnant and postpartum individuals with substance use through patient-centered, collaborative, and co-designed research.

Together, we are driving meaningful change and fostering a future where care is equitable, compassionate, and informed by those it impacts the most.

Our Efforts

Nichole Nidey Works To Change Stigma To Support
Efforts Nichole Nidey Efforts Nichole Nidey

Nichole Nidey Works To Change Stigma To Support

Nichole Nidey, assistant professor of epidemiology in the College of Public Health, focuses her research on pregnant people and mothers with substance use disorders. She directs the EMPOWER Project, which is committed to listening to patient stories and ensuring that the voices of those with lived experiences drive meaningful change in health care.

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