Through the ConCERN project, a collaboration between the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, and funded by the Jamie Daniels Foundation, loved ones of those with substance use disorder will soon have access to a digital resource that strengthens support for prevention and recovery.
By Stacey Winconek
Families play a critical role in whether a young person struggling with substance use disorder gets connected to help. Too often, however, families are navigating that responsibility without the tools they need and are often left asking, “What do we do now?”
ConCERN, which stands for ‘Concerned Caregivers Education for Resource Navigation, is a statewide digital resource that is being created through a collaboration between the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, is changing that. By focusingadv on early intervention, prevention, and stigma reduction, ConCERN is helping families respond sooner and more effectively, before a crisis peaks.
“We’re developing an intervention that goes straight to the parent, caregiver, or support person. We hope to compile some of those resources and provide some baseline knowledge and education around what works and what doesn’t work,” says Dr. Pooja Lagisetty, an associate professor at the University of Michigan. “When people feel more supported, they are more likely to engage in treatment and sustain treatment. We hope to give foundational knowledge to empower our parents and caregivers to have more self-efficacy, or to feel like they can be that support person, and they’re not on an island by themselves.”
By equipping families with tools to respond earlier, communicate more effectively, and take the next step with confidence, ConCERN is helping bridge a critical information gap across prevention, recovery, and stigma reduction. For the Jamie Daniels Foundation, ConCERN is a strong example of the kind of work it is increasingly investing in: practical tools that help families navigate substance use with greater clarity and support.
“We were really thankful to the Jamie Daniels Foundation. It’s the perfect organization to partner with because they were formed with the same mission,'” Dr. Lagisetty says.
Shaped by family feedback
The first phase of the ConCERN project includes identifying the gaps in substance use disorder prevention and recovery to build a stronger foundation for families.
Dr. Erin Madden, an assistant professor at Wayne State University, who is co-lead alongside Dr. Lagisetty on this study, says there are several issues that families face when it comes to finding the right resources. That’s why focus groups with parents and young adults are imperative to ensure content is aligning with the barriers and knowledge needs of the targeted population. To further ensure the website is aligning with those needs, an advisory board will also weigh in on the progress (learn more about the study team and their work here).
“One of the biggest themes we’re hearing is that families often don’t know where to start once they recognize there may be a substance use issue,” Dr. Madden says. “They don’t know how to talk about the problem with their child, or who to talk to about the substance use with their child.”
When searching for treatment, families often discover that facilities do not admit those under age 18. Some families aren’t sure how to pay for the facilities, and they are not able to identify which service is high-quality and evidence based.
It can be overwhelming and confusing for families. But soon, there will be help and hope through the website, which will offer short videos and easy-to-digest resources to help families recognize substance use, start conversations, and explore treatment options. It will also connect users to trusted organizations for additional support, making it a quick, practical tool for those seeking guidance.
“Once it’s all developed, we’ll give it to a group of about 20 parents see if it affects their knowledge and their ability to effectively communicate with their loved one, for their child to feel supported,” Dr. Madden says.
As ConCERN continues to take shape, it reflects a broader shift in how the Jamie Daniels Foundation approaches substance use — one that prioritizes prevention, early intervention, and family support alongside recovery. By investing in tools that reach families sooner, JDF is helping create a future where more young people are supported before a crisis escalates — and where families feel informed, empowered, and never alone in the process.
“As Jamie’s mom, I know what it feels like to need help and not know where to turn,” says Lisa Daniels-Goldman, co-founder of the Jamie Daniels Foundation. “That’s why this project means so much to us. ConCERN has the potential to give families the kind of guidance and support we know can make such a difference.”
The ConCERN website is expected to launch in summer 2026. In the meantime, they are still looking for volunteers for one final focus group with parents or young adults affected by substance use disorder. Those interested can click here to learn more.
