Research & Impact
Phoenix Health Research Institute advances interdisciplinary research initiatives designed to inform policy, strengthen health systems, and improve measurable public health outcomes.
Research Overview
Research Designed for Real-World Application
Phoenix Health Research Institute conducts research initiatives designed to translate rigorous academic methodology into practical public health solutions.
Our work focuses on generating actionable evidence that informs healthcare policy, strengthens community-based interventions, and advances long-term systems improvement. Each PHRI study is designed with three core priorities:
Methodological rigor | Institutional collaboration | Measurable public health impact
Our work focuses on generating actionable evidence that informs healthcare policy, strengthens community-based interventions, and advances long-term systems improvement. Each PHRI study is designed with three core priorities:
Methodological rigor | Institutional collaboration | Measurable public health impact
Current Research Initiatives
- A 20-year multi-state study examining the long-term health effects of cannabis use among aging Baby Boomers and Generation X.An IRB-approved evaluation of how MHFA training influences stigma reduction, help-seeking behavior, and community mental health literacy.A longitudinal study examining how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy supports resilience and successful civilian reintegration among U.S. military veterans.Why This Research MattersAs Baby Boomers and Generation X enter retirement, cannabis use is rising within populations that will soon rely heavily on Medicare, long-term care systems, and state-supported health services. Yet little long-term data exists on how sustained cannabis use affects physical health, cognitive function, mental health outcomes, chronic disease management, and healthcare utilization in aging adults.
PHRI’s 20-year longitudinal study — conducted in partnership with the University of Arizona and spanning California, Nevada, and Arizona — seeks to generate the evidence policymakers, healthcare systems, and families need to prepare for the next generation of retirement-era public health challenges.
Without rigorous, multi-state data, states and federal agencies risk making billion-dollar healthcare decisions in the absence of evidence. This study ensures those decisions are informed, responsible, and future-ready.Research Project Details
Research Overview
The Cannabis & Aging Longitudinal Study is a 20-year, multi-state research initiative examining the long-term physical, cognitive, and mental health outcomes associated with sustained cannabis use among Baby Boomers and Generation X. As these cohorts enter or progress through retirement, they represent the first large demographic groups aging in an era of legalized cannabis access.
Despite rapid policy shifts across the United States, limited longitudinal data exists regarding how cannabis use influences chronic disease progression, cognitive aging, mental health conditions, medication interactions, healthcare utilization, and quality of life in older adults. This study aims to address that evidence gap through rigorous, IRB-compliant data collection across Arizona, Nevada, and California.
In alignment with the University of Arizona’s Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction, which has formally expressed support for this research, PHRI will generate actionable data to inform Medicare policy, long-term care planning, retirement services infrastructure, and state-level public health strategy.
Funding Needed
Anchor-level philanthropic commitments of $3–$5 million are being secured to support long-term infrastructure, multi-state participant recruitment, longitudinal data systems, academic collaboration, and policy translation efforts.
Expected Outcomes- Comprehensive longitudinal dataset on cannabis use and aging
- Peer-reviewed publications in public health, gerontology, and health policy journals
- Evidence-based policy briefs for state and federal decision-makers
- Medicare and retirement health systems impact modeling
- Frameworks for senior care planning in legalized cannabis environments
- Graduate and postgraduate research training opportunities
Timeline- Phase I (Years 1–2): Infrastructure development, protocol finalization, IRB approvals, pilot recruitment
- Phase II (Years 3–7): Multi-state cohort enrollment and baseline data collection
- Phase III (Years 8–15): Longitudinal follow-up, interim analysis, policy reporting
- Phase IV (Years 16–20): Long-term outcome modeling, final analysis, national dissemination
Current Phase
Concept Development & Strategic Capital Formation
(With formal institutional support acknowledged; full-scale activation pending anchor-level funding.) Research Overview
The Mental Health First Aid Outcomes & Stigma Reduction Study evaluates the long-term impact of MHFA training on stigma reduction, help-seeking behavior, and community mental health literacy. As mental health needs continue to rise nationally, scalable community-based interventions are essential for early identification and support.
This IRB-approved study examines changes in participant knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions following MHFA training, with particular focus on diverse community populations. The project has received approval to conduct research from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the official governing body of Mental Health First Aid in the United States.
Findings will contribute to peer-reviewed scholarship and inform national conversations about community mental health workforce development and stigma mitigation strategies.
Funding Needed
$750,000–$1.5 million to expand multi-site implementation, longitudinal follow-up analysis, and national dissemination efforts.
Expected Outcomes- Peer-reviewed publications in public health and mental health journals
- Stigma reduction outcome modeling
- Evidence supporting community-based mental health interventions
- Policy briefs on scalable mental health literacy programs
- Expanded training impact evaluation frameworks
Timeline- Active Study Phase
- Data collection ongoing; manuscript development in progress
Current Phase
Active / IRB Approved / Manuscript Preparation Research Overview
The CBT & Veteran Reintegration Outcomes Study examines the effectiveness of structured Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions in improving psychological resilience, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related distress, and supporting successful civilian reintegration among U.S. military veterans.
Veterans face elevated risks of PTSD, substance use disorders, social isolation, and employment instability. While CBT is widely recognized as an evidence-based intervention, longitudinal data evaluating functional reintegration outcomes — including employment stability, family functioning, and community engagement — remains limited.
This study aims to assess both clinical symptom reduction and real-world reintegration metrics, providing actionable evidence for veteran health systems, nonprofit organizations, and policymakers.
Funding Needed
$1–$3 million to support multi-site veteran recruitment, licensed clinician partnerships, outcome tracking systems, and long-term follow-up analysis.
Expected Outcomes- Clinical symptom reduction modeling
- Functional reintegration metrics (employment, stability, quality of life)
- Peer-reviewed publications
- Policy recommendations for veteran mental health programming
- Implementation frameworks for nonprofit and VA-aligned providers
Timeline- Phase I (Year 1): Protocol design, partnerships, IRB approval
- Phase II (Years 2–4): Intervention implementation & data collection
- Phase III (Year 5): Outcome analysis & dissemination
Current Phase
Concept Development / Partnership FormationResearch Integrity & Oversight
PHRI is committed to conducting research with transparency, methodological rigor, and institutional accountability. All research initiatives follow established ethical and review protocols, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval where required. Research outcomes are intended to inform public health policy, healthcare system planning, and community-based intervention strategies.- Published ResearchPhoenix Health Research Institute investigators have contributed to peer-reviewed scholarship in public health and behavioral health domains, demonstrating methodological rigor and interdisciplinary collaboration. Published work supports PHRI’s capacity to design, implement, and disseminate evidence-based research initiatives.
- Active & IRB-Approved ResearchPHRI is currently leading an IRB-approved study evaluating the outcomes and stigma-reduction impact of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. The study has received authorization from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to conduct research involving MHFA programming. Manuscripts from this initiative are currently in preparation for peer-reviewed submission.
PHRI does not guarantee specific research outcomes, policy adoption, financial returns, or measurable impacts resulting from any funded project. Research initiatives are conducted in accordance with ethical, regulatory, and institutional standards and are subject to the inherent uncertainties of scientific inquiry.Support the Research InitiativeProspective donors and institutional partners are invited to learn more about the research initiative through a brief introductory conversation with the Study Principal Investigator.
Request Your Private BriefingTo help us prepare for our conversation, please provide the following information.Phoenix Health Research Institute respects the privacy of prospective donors and partners. Information submitted through this form is used solely to coordinate research briefings and related communications and will not be sold, shared, or distributed to third parties. By clicking the button, you agree to our Privacy Policy.