Shared Resources

Outreach and Assessment Center

The University of Miami’s Comprehensive Drug Research Center has relocated its Outreach and Assessment Center (OAC) from 1601 NW 7th Avenue to 225 NE 34th Street, Suite 102. The new and improved OAC has 3,500 square feet of space for interviewing, counseling, interventions, and laboratory work such as blood draws and urine testing. There are 4 rooms that can be used for interviewing, counseling and/or private sessions. Two of these rooms have dividers in order to have the ability to conduct multiple ACASI interviews. The OAC has a lobby that is over 350 square feet.  The lobby is equipped with a flat screen television and refreshments. Next to the lobby is an intervention room capable of administering group sessions with over 15 people.  There is a phlebotomy office that is equipped for drawing blood, urine testing and ORASURE rapid HIV testing. The OAC has 4 additional administrative offices and one meeting/conference room that can hold up to 20 people. There is an additional file room that will hold all of the confidential files. There are entry and exit points from two different areas. There is an abundance of free parking which includes parking for the handicap. The location is 3 blocks East of Midtown, which has stores such as Target and Marshalls. We can be accessed from NE 2nd Avenue, 34th Street and Biscayne Blvd. The Miami Beach exit 195 is also available with exits for Miami Avenue and Biscayne Blvd. For additional information contact Sam Comerford (305) 243-7266 or scomerfo@med.miami.edu.

Biostatistics and Data Management 

The Center for Biostatistical Research and Collaboration (CBRC) was designed and implemented through the Drug Abuse and AIDS Research Center (DAARC)  grant. The CBRC supports the efforts of both investigators and technical personnel and integrates methodological, biostatistical, epidemiological and computing resources.  Methodological and statistical support provided by the CBRC include study design, power calculations and analysis plans in support of grant development as well as data management, performance of statistical analyses and preparation of manuscripts.

Embedded Research Associate Model

The CDRC developed a model in which a research associate is embedded in each project and serves as project coordinator/director. This allows for a full time staff member to handle all aspects of the coordination and the conduct of the research project including assuring that strict adherence to protocol is followed. In addition to benefiting the individual project, many of the research associates advance their careers by completing the Ph.D. program and establishing their own research projects.

Capacity Building for Local, National, and International Research

One of the most valuable of the shared resources of the CDRC is the sustainable capacity building research that we collaborate with other institutions to achieve. Smaller institutions and developing countries often do not have the infrastructure or funding to carry out sustainable research. The CDRC offers these institutions help in establishing research and facilitates the research with the Center's shared resources.

Data and Biological Specimens Resources

The CDRC maintains a large database on drug use and health care which contains over 10,000 cases. In addition, the CDRC maintains a reservoir of residual blood from drug users who were tested for HIV/AIDS and a brain bank for biological studies on the brain.