Research Program
RAND-USC Schaeffer Opioid Policy Tools and Information Center
Successfully combating the evolving opioid crisis will require meeting unprecedented demands on our public health, health care, public safety, law enforcement, and criminal justice systems. The RAND-USC Schaeffer Opioid Policy Tools and Information Center (OPTIC) is fostering innovative research and connecting stakeholders to change the trajectory of this crisis. Learn more>
Program Leadership
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Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, PhD
Scholar, USC Schaeffer Institute
Professor and Elizabeth Garrett Chair in Health Policy, Economics & Law, USC Price School
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Bradley D. Stein
Senior Physician Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation
Featured Research
As Overdose Epidemic Shifts, Higher Doses of Addiction Treatment May Benefit Patients Long Term
Patients receiving higher doses of buprenorphine were less likely to later require emergency department services or an inpatient hospital stay, researchers found.
The Impact of Medicaid Institutions for Mental Disease Exclusion Waivers on the Availability of Substance Abuse Treatment Services and the Varying Effect by Ownership Type
The study findings suggest that Medicaid IMD waivers are at least somewhat effective at impacting the population targeted by the policy.
Investigating the Complexity of Naloxone Distribution: Which Policies Matter for Pharmacies and Potential Recipients
Despite efforts to address the opioid crisis, opioid-related overdoses remain a significant contributor to mortality.
Expert Views on State Policies to Improve Engagement and Retention in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Experts believe that supportive (rather than punitive) policies improve engagement and retention in opioid use disorder treatment.
Program Experts
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Sarah Axeen, PhD
Director of Data and Analytics, USC Schaeffer Center
Scholar, USC Schaeffer Institute
Assistant Professor, Division of Emergency Medicine Research, Keck School of Medicine of USC
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Ricky Bluthenthal, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences
Associate Dean for Social Justice
Interim Chair, Department of Population and Public Health Science, Keck School of Medicine of USC
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Rachel Carmen Ceasar, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC
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Jevay Grooms, PhD
Nonresident Senior Scholar, USC Schaeffer Institute
2023 – 2024 USC AD/ADRD RCMAR Scientist, USC Schaeffer Center
Co-Director, ATRIL
Associate Professor of Economics and Co-Director, Center for an Equitable Economy and Sustainable Society, Howard University
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Seema (Choksy) Pessar, MPP
Senior Health Policy Project Associate, USC Schaeffer Center
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Seth Seabury, PhD
Senior Scholar, USC Schaeffer Institute
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Economics, USC Mann School
Director of Graduate Studies, Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy Program, USC Mann School