About the Center for Health Research
For more than 60 years, the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research (CHR), one of eight KP research centers nationally, has maintained a robust program of research focused on improving public health and individual health. Our research is conducted in collaboration with a wide range of scientific and academic partners and made possible with funding from industry, private foundations, and public funds. This work includes clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and qualitative research. CHR is also home to one of nine Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs) across the U.S. charged with synthesizing the available scientific evidence to inform decision making by clinicians, patients, and policy makers nationwide.
CHR scientists share a passion for generating and advancing the scientific knowledge needed to improve health for all people and a commitment to conducting rigorous science that adheres to the highest ethical standards. Our investigators are recognized as experts in their respective fields, which include medicine, psychology, behavioral and social sciences, health economics, epidemiology, nursing, and biostatistics.
Situated within KP Northwest, CHR has access to a large, diverse population of research volunteers across Oregon and southwest Washington, and we often conduct research in collaboration with other KP regions. While our research participants include both KP members and non-members, our collaboration with KPNW clinicians and members is vital to contributing to KPNW’s vision of a learning health care system, where research informs clinical practice and practice informs research. This symbiotic relationship contributes to the advancement of evidence-based care, a cornerstone of Kaiser Permanente.
This report highlights select CHR accomplishments from 2024. You can learn more about CHR at: research.kpchr.org.
By the Numbers
Our Budget
In 2024, CHR received 9% of its total revenue from KP support, the lowest proportion of any KP research center nationwide. This demonstrates the Center’s operational efficiency and the strong value CHR brings to KPNW and our members.
Our Researchers
- 32 investigators
- 23 affiliate investigators
- 175 total research and support staff
Our Projects
- 359 funded, active project
- 134 active clinical trials
- 134 proposals submitted for funding
Our Publications
179 peer-reviewed publications
See all 2024 publications
Our Awards
TOP 5
CHR is among the top five Oregon awardees of National Institutes of Health funding.
Research Highlights
Selected Project & Staff Highlights
Using Podcasts to Improve Residents’ Training on Menopause
Surveys have shown that doctors in training have low levels of knowledge and comfort in how to treat symptoms of menopause. To address this problem, CHR researchers designed and tested a podcast-based curriculum, and found it to be effective for improving residents’ knowledge. Results were published in the February 2024 issue of Menopause – The Journal of the North American Menopause Society. Read more here
Partnering to Prevent Cancer
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the U.S. In partnership with the National Cancer Institute, KPNW is one of ten health care systems across the U.S. conducting the Connect for Cancer Prevention Study. The Connect team at CHR is actively recruiting KPNW members ages 30 to 70 with no personal history of cancer to join this study, which seeks to learn more about the causes of cancer and how to prevent it. Read more here
Testing a New Approach to Cervical Cancer Screening
A new study at CHR is testing an alternative to the Pap test for cervical cancer screening—self-testing. Self-Testing for Cervical Cancer in Priority Populations—the STEP-2 Trial, funded by the National Cancer Institute, seeks to increase cervical cancer screening rates in safety net clinics. Nearly 30 million people in the U.S. go to clinics like these, which provide care to patients regardless of ability to pay or health insurance. Read more here
Peer-Led Program to Increase HPV Vaccination Gets Underway
The HPV vaccine prevents almost all types of cervical cancer, but vaccination rates in Oregon are not as high as health officials would like. In 2024, CHR began work on PEER, a five-year study to test a peer-led program to increase HPV vaccination in school-based health centers. Read more here
Study Offers Mental Health Treatment to Youth
Only 1 in 5 youth with anxiety and 2 in 5 youth with depression receive treatment. A new CHR study will test a therapy program for youth with anxiety and depression delivered in primary care. Participants will come from six OCHIN health clinics in Oregon, Washington, and California that serve uninsured and underinsured patients. The program holds great potential to expand access to treatment. Read more here
CHR Develops New Expertise in CASCADIA Study
In 2024, CHR wrapped up CASCADIA, an ambitious two-year study that examined the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among children. The study found that vaccine effectiveness was 58% for children 5-11, and 48% for adolescents 12-17. Results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Led at CHR by Allison Naleway, PhD, our study site enrolled about 1200 children and their families. Read more here
Engaging with Communities to Increase Screening
In July 2024, the American College of Gastroenterology recognized outstanding work in colorectal cancer prevention at CHR with two SCOPY Awards. The awards went to a CHR research team that works closely with communities to develop effective messaging and materials to motivate cancer screening. Read more here
CHR Investigators Serve as Mentors for KP Medical School
All students at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine must conduct research, and the school's affiliations with CHR researchers offer them unprecedented opportunities to focus on areas of interest. “I am incredibly grateful for the contributions of the CHR Investigators who have joined our department and our school,” said Health Systems Science Chair Paul Chung, MD, MS. Read more here
Spotlight on Our Capabilities
The Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center
CHR is the home of the Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center (KP EPC), one of 9 centers nationwide designated by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The EPCs synthesize available scientifific evidence on important health care topics. Their evidence reports are used to guide health care decision-making by clinicians, patients, and policymakers. The KP EPC is directed by Jennifer S. Lin, MD, MCR.
In 2024, our EPC produced two major reports on breastfeeding. The first, for the CDC, examined the evidence linking breastfeeding with child health. For this systematic review, our EPC examined evidence from 29 systematic reviews and 145 primary studies. Our EPC completed this massive undertaking on an expedited timeline, concluding that breastfeeding lowers the risk for several infant and child health conditions.
- Patnode CD, Henrikson NB, Webber EM, Blasi PR, Senger CA, Guirguis-Blake JM. Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for Infants and Children: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics. 2025 Apr 17.
The second report looked at evidence for programs to support breastfeeding and was produced for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which makes recommendations for health care providers. Our EPC published its Evidence Report on this topic in JAMA. An accompanying editorial noted the report “underscores the critical need for individual and interpersonal breastfeeding support.” Both reports will be important drivers of clinical practice for years to come.
- Patnode CD, Senger CA, Coppola EL, Iacocca MO. Interventions to Support Breastfeeding: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA. 2025;333(17):1527–1537.
Learning Health System Science
To deliver the best care to patients, Kaiser Permanente Northwest health system leaders rely on the KP Center for Health Research. CHR’s Learning Health System (LHS) Team supports the KPNW health plan with a broad range of projects.
A learning health system constantly evaluates itself to improve care. Our LHS Team, active since 2018, enables health system leaders to evaluate programs and implement evidence-based changes, applying what we learn to improve patient care.
Our LHS team supports health plan leaders with rapid literature reviews, consulting on study design and analysis, conducting evaluations and analyses, and advising on research compliance. Highlights from 2024 include:
- Our LHS Team supported KPNW leaders to launch a new Center for Black Health and Wellness in 2024. The center provides culturally competent care to Black patients and seeks to address health disparities; our team will evaluate how well it meets its goals.
- Our LHS team compared diabetes outcomes among KPNW patients who received panel management services vs. patients who received usual care, and found panel management was effective. Based on this finding, KPNW expanded the program.
- Our LHS team has established a learning network with KP Colorado and KP Washington to share lessons and spread care improvements across KP regions.
Behavior Assessment and Change
Our BAC Department delivers behavioral interventions in areas such as depression, insomnia, and managing chronic pain. Staff are trained in counseling and motivational interviewing, offering expertise in recruitment, qualitative interviewing, and focus-group facilitation, as well as Spanish language skills. Highlights from 2024 include:
For the ARIA study of acute respiratory viruses among adults, dedicated BAC staff helped the study achieve its first participant enrollment goal, 25% of target.
For the Study of Acute Gastroeneritis (SAGE) study, BAC staff recruited KPNW members, sent them stool and blood collection kits, supported members who had difficulty with sample collection, and managed sample return. As a result of their efforts, SAGE enrolled 1,848 members in an eight-month period.
Clinical Research and Trials Unit
Our Clinical Research and Trials Unit provides experienced research administration, implementation, and coordination of clinical trials conducted in the KPNW care delivery system and at the CHR Research Clinic. Our CRTU works with physicians and CHR investigators, ensuring patient safety, compliance with regulations, and data integrity.
CHR began supporting clinical trials in 1972. Today, with funding from federal and industry sponsors, we focus on Phase 2 and 3 drug clinical trials and Class II and III device trials.
In 2024, the CRTU team conducted 109 clinical trials spanning cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and infectious disease, among other areas.
Data Coordinating Center
CHR’s Data Coordinating Center (DCC) specializes in supporting networks and multicenter studies through the development and implementation of data management systems and other research infrastructure technology. DCC staff also provide internal technical support to CHR investigators. Highlights from 2024 include:
- Completed Year 5 (of 7) as the DCC for the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (McBurnie, PI). Provided study management and supported data collection and cleaning, monitoring and analyses for 4 large studies – two randomized clinical trials and two observational studies. Studies are investigating post-operative pain, implant complications, smoking cessation assistance, and antibiotic use with periodontal treatment.
- Led the technical development team for the Observational Research on the Impact and Outcomes of Norovirus project (ORION; Schmidt, PI), which required an expedited ramp-up in fall 2024 for a winter 2025 launch.
Qualitative Research Core
By using a mix of qualitative approaches, from interviews and focus groups to ethnography and participatory engagement, CHR’s multi-disciplinary Qualitative Core (Q-CORE) helps us understand the nuances of health care and how they influence outcomes.
In 2024, Q-CORE staff received funding to evaluate PEER, a program designed to increase HPV vaccination and wellness in school-based health centers. A team led by Senior Research Associate Jennifer Schneider, MPH, will conduct qualitative interviews to understand the program’s acceptability from all perspectives – speaking to representatives from schools and school-based health centers, as well as adolescents and caregivers.
Q-CORE staff also supported submission of 10 research proposals with qualitative methods, and published 9 papers on studies with qualitative components.
Translational and Applied Genomics (TAG)
CHR has a specialized team working to bring genetic advances into health care. Our TAG Department focuses on inherited conditions and risk factors for diseases, ways to improve diagnosis and management, and implementing new strategies into health care systems. We conduct studies within KPNW, as well as with other health systems, studying patients with and without health insurance from diverse backgrounds. One study newly funded in 2024 is examining genetic risk factors for dementia. Most studies on the genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease are limited to European populations. The new study led by CHR Investigator Willa Brenowitz, PhD will use the Kaiser Permanente Research Bank’s genetic, survey, and electronic health record data to evaluate genetic risk factors and dementia risk by genetic ancestry, with a focus on expanding research to non-European populations.
Collaborations and Research Networks
CHR has a formal collaboration with OCHIN, which provides technology support to nearly 2000 community health sites across the U.S. serving underinsured and uninsured patients. This collaboration allows researchers at both organizations to conduct comparative research between two very different health systems. Frances Lynch, PhD, a Distinguished Investigator at CHR, also holds an appointment as a Senior Investigator at OCHIN.
CHR researchers, working within the Kaiser Permanente Northwest health system (KPNW), regularly collaborate with the other KP regions: KP Hawaii, Washington, Mid-Atlantic, Northern California, Southern California, Colorado, and Georgia. Research is facilitated by the KP Virtual Data Warehouse (VDW), a distributed set of standardized, high-quality research databases from all eight KP regions.
CHR investigators are active members of KP’s Social Needs Network for Evaluation and Translation (SONNET), a national network that supports initiatives to address KP members’ essential needs. Supported by KP’s National Community Health Program, SONNET helps KP researchers, leaders, and medical professionals design, evaluate, and learn from initiatives that address needs such as social connection, food, housing, and transportation. CHR Investigator David Mosen, PhD, represents CHR on SONNET’s Evaluation & Research Committee.
The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) is a consortium of more than 8,000 dentists, hygienists, and other professionals committed to advancing dental practice. CHR coordinates the Network’s Western Region Node; CHR Senior Investigator Jeff Fellows, PhD, is the region’s director.
CHR also serves as the Data Coordinating Center (DCC) for the national network; CHR Distinguished Investigator Mary Ann McBurnie, PhD, leads the DCC. The coordinating center has managed data collection and other study-related activities for 18 network studies conducted since 2019.
CHR is a founding member of the Health Care Systems Research Network (HCSRN), a group of 20 nonprofit health care delivery systems sharing resources and clinical information to better inform health research. HCSRN is recognized as a premier national source of population-based research.
CHR is also an active member of the following:
- CHR has been a member of the Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute since 2023. Through this affiliation, CHR’s investigators and staff have access to a broad range of research collaborators, opportunities, and resources.
The Tufts CTSI is made up of nearly 40 medical, academic, industry, and community partners and collaborators. Its mission is to improve clinical care and health by providing education, consultation, services, and direct support. Kaiser Permanente is one of seven participating health care systems.
As a member of the Tufts CTSI, CHR also makes its biospecimen resources and expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods research available to other members. Stephen Fortmann, MD is CHR Site PI. Carmit McMullen, PhD directs the Qualitative and Mixed Methods Consulting Service. - Vaccine Safety Datalink, a collaborative project among the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and thirteen health care organizations using large medical records databases to monitor vaccine safety in the U.S. Distinguished Investigator Allison Naleway, PhD, is the Principal Investigator at CHR.
New Scientists
New Investigator Brings Expertise in Diabetes
In June 2024, CHR welcomed a new Senior Investigator: Natalie Ritchie, PhD, MA. Ritchie has been working in diabetes prevention for twenty years. Two of her current studies: a randomized clinical trial to assess the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)’s effects on obesity and diabetes risk among women of childbearing age, and a grant to learn how to better implement the program for Medicare beneficiaries. Read more here
KPNW Welcomes New VP and CHR Director
In September 2024, KPNW welcomed Jennifer McClure, PhD, as its new VP for Research and CHR Director—the center’s fourth in 60 years. Dr. McClure, a licensed clinical psychologist, is both a research scientist and an administrative director. As a researcher, she is best known for pursuing more effective programs to help people quit smoking. Before joining CHR, Dr. McClure spent 26 years as an investigator and administrative leader at KP Washington Health Research Institute. Read more here
2024 Saward Lecture
Each year in the fall, CHR hosts the Saward Lecture. This lecture series, in its 33rd year, brings world renowned scientists, clinicians, authors and journalists to Portland, Oregon. With support from KP Community Health, CHR is able to offer this event to the public completely free of charge.
In 2024, CHR welcomed Dr. Mona Hanna, MD, MPH. Dr. Hanna was recognized as one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for her role in uncovering the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan that began in 2014 and for leading its recovery efforts. Dr. Hanna, a pediatrician, presented her work, discussed her career, and answered questions during her highly engaging talk. For more information on the Saward Lecture, and to receive information about how to obtain tickets for future lectures, visit: www.kpchr.org/Saward.
The Saward Lecture series is named after Ernie Saward, MD (1914–89), medical director of Kaiser Permanente Northwest from 1948 to 1969. Dr. Saward’s pioneering vision and administrative skill helped to launch the health maintenance organization movement. In the early 1960s, he established the Medical Care Research Unit, which later became the Center for Health Research.
Letter from the CHR Director
I’m delighted to join Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW) and the Center for Health Research (CHR) as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.
As this report reflects, the Center is instrumental in helping Kaiser Permanente achieve its mission to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. CHR scientists and staff are among the most thoughtful and talented researchers in their fields. They are committed to the conduct of relevant, rigorous, and reproducible science—prerequisites for generating the trusted knowledge necessary to improve the public‘s health and the delivery of healthcare in this nation.
With more than 600,000 Kaiser Permanente members in Oregon and Southwest Washington (200,000 of whom also receive dental care at a KPNW clinic), CHR is well-positioned to address some of the most pressing and pragmatic health issues we all face in our daily lives. This includes (but is not limited to) conducting research on topics such as preventing and better managing chronic diseases like diabetes, preventing and treating cancer, understanding genetic and familial drivers of disease risk, improving the effectiveness and safety of the medications we take, helping people make important lifestyle changes such as quitting tobacco use, improving dental health care, and improving mental health care and outcomes for adolescents and adults.
The impact of our work is amplified through CHR’s strategic partnerships with other researchers, public health experts, medical professionals and research volunteers across the Pacific Northwest and the United States who share our commitment to improving the health of all people. This collaboration is crucial to solving our nation's health care crisis.
I hope reading this annual report has helped you learn more about some of the highlights from our past year. You can learn even more about CHR’s researchers, the Center’s rich history, and our achievements over the past six decades here.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who made the content of this report possible, starting with the tens of thousands of research volunteers who participated in this work. Volunteerism is the lifeblood of public health and medical science, and we are truly grateful to everyone who shared their time and knowledge to help us make the future a little better for all of us. I’d also like to thank the many public and private sponsors who funded our work. And thank you to all of our KPNW, Northwest Permanente, and Permanente Dental Associates staff and clinician collaborators. Science is a team sport, and at KPNW and CHR, we are fortunate to have such a collaborative and winning team.
With deep appreciation-
Jennifer
Jennifer McClure, PhD
Director, Center for Health Research
Vice President of Health Research,
Kaiser Permanente Northwest