Odell Johnson

About Odell Johnson

I am a seasoned community leader and public health scholar whose work integrates developmental psychology, mindfulness-based integrated practices, biomedical science, and implementation science to advance health equity and population well-being. With over two decades of experience in community practice, nonprofit leadership, and academic research, I have dedicated my career to developing and implementing evidence-based interventions that address the structural determinants of health disparities.My research interests sit at the intersection of community-based developmental psychology and biomedical science, employing transdisciplinary approaches to address complex public health challenges. I served as Lead Principal Investigator on an NIH/NIMHD-funded pilot study examining the efficacy of Universal Basic Income interventions for populations living at 400% below the federal poverty line. This work explores how innovative economic policy interventions can catalyze improvements in health outcomes and health-seeking behaviors among our most under-resourced communities.My scholarship also includes previous NIH-funded investigations as Co-PI, notably a cluster-randomized clinical trial evaluating vaccine uptake patterns across rural and urban populations. My pedagogical approach emphasizes developing rigorous axiological and epistemological frameworks that inform action-based research across all phases, from design and implementation through dissemination. I believe that scholarships must not only generate knowledge but also serve as a catalyst for meaningful social change.

Experience

1. Technical Consultant

   Opioid Response Network

   Aug 2025 — Present · US

   Provide national technical assistance and capacity-building support to states, tribal nations, and community organizations addressing opioid use disorder (OUD), stimulant use, and co-occurring mental health needs. Advise on the development and implementation of evidence-based, trauma-informed, and peer-driven strategies to strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and reentry pathways across diverse jurisdictions.Support systems transformation by guiding agencies on workforce development, policy alignment, and integration of lived-experience leadership within substance use and reentry programs.Deliver expert consultation on program design, evaluation frameworks, and sustainability planning to improve equitable access to MOUD, harm reduction, crisis services, and community-based recovery supports.The Region 6 (OK, AR, TX, NM, and LA) consultant pool for the Opioid Response Network (ORN) is my area of concentration. ORN is a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services initiative that provides training and education that addresses prevention, treatment, and recovery of opioid and stimulant use disorders, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Education

• Chopra University

  Master - Ayurveda Perfect Health, Mindfulness Meditation, Yoga, Mind Body Medicine

  2003 — 2005

• Saybrook University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Existential-Humanistic Psychology

  2012 — 2017

• St. Louis Christian College

  Bachelor of Applied Science - BASc, minor Community Counseling, Theological Science

  2004 — 2007

• Saybrook University

  Presidential Fellow

  2018 — 2019

• Biofeedback Institute of Los Angeles

  Neuro-Biofeedback Specialist, Neuro Biofeedback

  2002 — 2004

• Sofia University

  Certificate, Transpersonal Studies

  2009 — 2012

• Sofia University

  Master's degree, Transpersonal Psychology with specializations; Gestalt & Spritual Psychology

  2009 — 2012

• University of Arkansas

  Mass Communication, Mass Communication/Media Studies

  1982 — 1984

• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Medicine

  COPH, Behavior Health and Health Education