#United States #Bloomington #Lighthouse Institute #Chestnut Health Systems #JEAP Initiative

Opening of the JEAP Research Center

On May 7, 2026, Chestnut Health Systems™ made significant strides in supporting vulnerable populations by announcing the establishment of the Justice-involved and Emerging Adult Populations (JEAP) Research Center. Situated within the Lighthouse Institute, this initiative emphasizes a long-term commitment to addressing systemic challenges faced by justice-involved individuals and emerging adults in the community.

The JEAP Initiative: A Collaborative Vision

The JEAP Initiative has been a pioneering effort focused on enhancing justice, equity, and access by examining systemic barriers that hinder the well-being of affected populations. By fostering education, advocacy, and cross-sector partnerships, the initiative aims to empower families and communities that are often disadvantaged by societal inequities. Over the past six years, this initiative has garnered national recognition, including acknowledgments from the National Institutes of Health. It has primarily concentrated on providing substance use treatment and recovery services tailored for justice-involved and emerging adult populations who disproportionately struggle with substance use disorders.

Research and Community Engagement

Emerging adults and those entangled in the criminal justice system face a heightened risk of not only substance use disorders but also other co-occurring mental health issues. The JEAP Initiative has effectively addressed these complexities by developing a range of studies and presentations alongside national community boards, thereby bridging the gap between research and real-world application. Early career researchers have also benefited significantly, as all eight trainees involved in the initiative secured federal grant funding, thereby cultivating the next generation of scholars in this vital field.

Dr. Ashli J. Sheidow, a senior research scientist at Chestnut's Lighthouse Institute, remarked, "The JEAP Initiative has exemplified the importance of involving individuals with lived experience in the research process, leading to impactful training and community-driven research priorities that will leave a lasting effect on the field."

Looking Ahead: The JEAP Research Center's Mission

As the JEAP Initiative transitions to the JEAP Research Center, it will continue to preserve the JEAP name and foster the ongoing mission of advancing community-engaged research. The center aims to identify effective strategies to enhance substance use treatment and recovery services tailored to justice-involved and emerging adult populations. This includes exploring the most effective practices under varying conditions, while also enhancing the representation of individuals with lived experiences in research activities.

Dr. Mike Dennis, Chief Research Officer at Chestnut Health Systems, articulated the importance of this transition, stating, "The JEAP Research Center provides a solid foundation to carry forward expertise and partnerships that were developed under the JEAP Initiative. This ensures that our work continues to make a meaningful impact well beyond the original funding period."

Future Directions and Resources

The JEAP Research Center will act as an umbrella for ongoing and forthcoming research projects, including federally funded studies. Though the initiative's original structure is concluding, no new funding has been designated for this announcement. Instead, resources established will be transitioned to a new website, www.chestnut.org/JEAP, enabling public access to valuable information and research findings.

Chestnut's Lighthouse Institute remains dedicated to enhancing real-world practices, influencing policy, and improving outcomes for individuals and communities. Since its inception in 1973, Chestnut Health Systems has been a non-profit champion for the most vulnerable populations, offering services ranging from substance use prevention to mental health treatment.

By solidifying its commitment with the JEAP Research Center, Chestnut Health Systems continues to position itself as a leader in behavioral health-related research, ensuring that the voices of those most impacted by systemic challenges remain at the forefront of efforts aimed at societal transformation.