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.
Approach
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.
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.
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.
Research
Patient Partner Involvement
Patients are not just participants; they are integral to every phase of our research. From design and data collection to analysis and dissemination, their voices shape the process and outcomes.
Throughout all phases of the research, Patient Partners play an active role, building their capacity to lead and shape future research initiatives, ensuring that the research is always aligned with the needs and experiences of those it aims to serve.
Building Capacity
We are actively building the capacity of patient partners to lead research initiatives, empowering them to become key contributors and leaders in the field.
What do Partners do?
Our partners actively engage in monthly virtual meetings, collaborate as co-leads on research projects, and contribute their lived experiences to shape and guide future initiatives. Their insights play a key role in driving impactful, community-centered work.
Our Partners
Community Partners
Individuals who represent the community or community organizations.
Patient Partners
Individuals with lived experience of substance use around the timing of pregnancy.
Research Partners
Researchers who study substance use around the timing of pregnancy.
Clinical Partners
Healthcare professionals who provide maternity and/or pediatric care, and substance use treatment.
EMPOWER Project Mind Maps •
EMPOWER Project Mind Maps •
Journey Map
Amplified Voices Map
Patient Journey Map
Engagement Map
Freedom to Flourish Café Map