Introducing Pitt’s Implementation and Research Center for Healthy Communities

The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy's Program Evaluation and Research Unit is now the Implementation and Research Center for Healthy Communities (IRC).

More than a new name, the change reflects a refined focus on improving health and well-being through health services research, curriculum development and evaluation, and the application of implementation science in health care and community settings.

Based in the Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, IRC builds on nearly two decades of collaboration with public and private sector partners. Its work facilitating enhanced substance use and suicide prevention services spans 47 counties in Pennsylvania, four in eastern Ohio, and a growing number of communities in other U.S. states.

Led by Executive Director Lucas Hill and Senior Director of Research and Evaluation Debra Moore, IRC includes more than 30 core faculty and staff with expertise in assessment and evaluation, data analytics and informatics, implementation and technical assistance, and training design and facilitation.

IRC partners with health care providers, managed care organizations, first responders, criminal justice systems, universities and veterans groups to strengthen prevention, treatment and recovery efforts. The center also manages more than $19 million in project funding from federal and state agencies.

Learn more about IRC's work in the spring 2026 edition of Pitt Pharmacy Magazine.

Photography by BD&E