In an effort to ensure its “long-term sustainability,” the School of Pharmacy’s Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU) is undergoing a reduction in force that affects 32 of the unit’s 76 positions.
The staff reductions will be effective Oct. 4, according to a statement provided by the University.
Jared Stonesifer, senior director of external communications, clarified that the positions — as indicated in offer letters to potential employees — are funded by research grants rather than the University.
“At this time, there is not adequate available grant funding to support the continuance of these research positions,” Stonesifer said.
Calling the staff reduction a “difficult decision,” Stonesifer conveyed that PERU leadership made the decision “with careful consideration to maintain the quality and integrity” of the unit’s ongoing projects and future endeavors.
“PERU remains fully committed to its mission of facilitating optimal health, well-being, recovery, and choice for patients and community members through their research and evaluation work,” he said.
Founded in 2006, the unit is “dedicated to meaningful work that facilitates each patient or community member’s ability to achieve optimal health, well-being, recovery and choice,” its mission statement reads.
PERU’s program development and research has expanded to four areas: substance use disorder education and research; opioid use disorder prevention, intervention, and treatment; medication adherence; and organizational health for healthcare systems.
The unit’s staff are experienced in a range of disciplines and methodologies to support program development, including creating and managing database systems, coordinating qualitative studies, conducting quantitative data collection and outcomes research; developing healthcare professional curricula and implementing clinical drug and alcohol interventions.
Earlier this year, PERU received a five-year, $7.8 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse with the goal of improving quality of care for patients with opioid use disorder.
The project intends to establish the Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEALing) Measures Center at Pitt, with the goal of developing and implementing measurement-based care into 20 community opioid treatment programs through the state. The programs are expected to enhance treatment access, promote recovery and reducing fatal overdoses across the commonwealth.
It is unclear if the staff reductions will affect the project.
— Shannon O. Wells
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