US-based health system Arkansas Children's, in collaboration with the Arkansas Attorney General's Office, has started construction on The National Center for Opioid Research & Clinical Effectiveness (NCOR).

Dr Alicia Allen, a behavioural epidemiologist specialising in opioid use disorder, has been appointed as the director of the facility.

Introduced in 2023, the NCOR initiative is dedicated to examining the opioid crisis and other substance misuse effects on the foetus, newborn babies, kids, adolescents, and pregnant as well as parenting individuals.

Situated within the Arkansas Children's Research Institute (ACRI), this 65,000ft² facility will concentrate on research along with community outreach to support impacted families while enhancing health outcomes.

The NCOR building is scheduled for launch in 2027 to advance research infrastructure and enhance outreach programmes.

Arkansas Children’s president and CEO Marcy Doderer said: “The opioid crisis has profoundly impacted Arkansas families, a reality we witness daily across our NICU, clinics and ER.

“By establishing this centre, we are boldly advancing a healthier future for children across our region and nation. The brilliant capacity of our dedicated team, both current and future, will deliver a better today and healthier tomorrow for every child affected by this crisis.”

The centre will concentrate on maternal and child health by conducting research, developing programmes on prevention and treatment, and engaging in community involvement.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin granted $75m, with $55m coming from opioid and vaping settlement funds while Arkansas Children's is providing the remaining $20m to bring the project to fruition.

Dr Allen said: “The NCOR team is dedicated to reducing the stigma around opioid use disorder so that families feel empowered to seek treatment and sustain recovery.

“NCOR's research and community outreach will improve the trajectory of children’s health and give families a healthier tomorrow.”