Working in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs (BDAP), our mission is to become a repository of information related to addiction research, health policy, prevention, intervention and treatment in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to develop effective mecha­nisms to transfer that knowledge to the substance abuse field.

Information Collection and Dissemination

IRETA will engage in developing an information base and appropriate systems for accessing and updating information/research in the area of substance abuse. In addition, a variety of activities and channels have been developed for dissemination of these state-of-the-art research findings.

Training and Education

IRETA will engage in two major types of training. First will be substance abuse training for professionals in direct prevention, intervention or treatment roles in the provider community. This training is designed to provide continuing education opportunities that can be applied as credits required by the State for certifi­cation or licensure. The second will be interdisciplinary training, targeted towards professionals in the human service field who are involved in providing direct services or in program or policy development in their professional role. IRETA is approved by the Pennsylvania Certification Board to provide credits for addictions practitioners and is also a co-sponsor with the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work to provide continuing education credits for social workers.

Research and Evaluation

IRETA, as part of its "Technology Transfer" goal, will conduct independent research and evaluation efforts, coordinate the integration of state-of-the-art research findings for education and training purposes, and encourage future research initiatives within the Commonwealth. IRETA's research and evaluation efforts will be guided by its statewide steering committee and academic partners.

Policy Objectives

IRETA will work toward the alignment of science, policy and practice in the area of substance abuse. IRETA will identify and prioritize gaps in the current health care delivery system; convene workshops and other forums that provide an opportunity for policy makers to discuss the issues; develop and disseminate materials that can be used to support advocacy efforts; synthesize research findings to support specific policy choices and develop "point papers" describing policy change/policy development initiatives occurring throughout the country.