Disaster Intervention Research Lab

Pragmatic Randomized Control Trial of a multi-level community intervention to prevent behavioral health symptoms among disaster and pandemic affected children, Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health(NIMH), 2022-2026

In collaboration with the global humanitarian organization, Save the Children, University of South Florida, and University of Houston, Dr. Powell is the Principal Investigators a multi-state trial examining the longitudinal impact of the virtual adapted, Journey of Hope Intervention. This project aims to understand how schools and community-based centers can support children and youth mental health during disasters, when in-person learning is disrupted due to collective traumatic events.

In collaboration with Louisiana State University (Principal Investigator, Dr. Jennifer Scott) and Together Baton Rouge, Dr. Powell is a co-investigator on a Community-Based Participatory Research study examining the implementation and effectiveness of the Community Organizing for Power and Empathy (COPE) intervention. The COPE intervention is being delivered at community institutions and aims to (1)reduce psychological distress and amplify protective factors among individuals and communities at risk of experiencing disasters; and (2) build individual and community psychological support response capacity.

Mental Health Policy Assessment. U.S. Agency for International Development, 2022-2023

In collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development. University of Illinois Social Work Professors, Drs. Ben Lough, Moses Okumu, and Tara Powell, supported the development of USAIDS mental health policy. This project was informed through an extensive consultation process, facilitated listening sessions, a series of evidence briefs, and the collective expertise and input of a diverse and well-informed community.

Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health in Rural Illinois

Increasingly more refugees are being resettled to rural locations in the U.S. where they often experience social isolation and challenges integrating. While it is well known that refugees have a heightened risk of mental health challenges, there is limited research about cultural idioms of distress and healing among refugees living in rural settings. The ways in which refugees understand and describe their mental health may differ across cultures and not align with Western etiologies. Through a partnership with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department, this qualitative study aims to investigate mental health concerns among a heterogenous immigrant and refugee population located in rural Illinois.

Journey of Life Psychosocial Support Intervention for Conflict-Affected Populations in Uganda

Displacement curtails access to necessary resources, such as food and shelter, and access to institutional supports including health and protective services. These barriers, along with the potentially traumatic impacts of conflict, can lead to immense psychosocial challenges and have compounding negative effects on the mental health of the most vulnerable, including children. Caregivers play a critical role in mediating the impacts of forced displacement on children and adolescents, as they may either heighten or mitigate the compounding detriments of conflict and displacement. The Journey of Life program , developed by Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI), implemented by Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Uganda, and evaluated by Washington University in St. Louis, engages community members at multiple socioecological levels through individual and community reflection, dialogue and action. The Journey of Life led to improvements in mental health, functioning, and caregiving.