The NKI Rockland Sample Initiative
The NKI Rockland Sample Initiative is a large-scale community-based research program. The Initiative offers people age 6 to age 85, who are residents of Rockland County and neighboring areas, a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of brain science.
The goals of the Initiative are to understand better how the brain develops over the lifespan and how our thinking, emotions, and behavior are connected to our physical brain. Results from these studies will be shared with qualified research scientists around the world to hasten to pace of scientific discovery. We hope that the knowledge gained will help people get healthy and stay healthy.
There are currently two active studies in the Initiative:, the Child Longitudinal Study, and the Adult Longitudinal Study. The NKI Rockland Sample Initiative is funded by the US National Institutes of Health, the NY State Office of Mental Health.
Location and scheduling
The research program takes place at the Nathan Kline Institute (NKI) in Orangeburg, NY, which is easily accessible by municipal bus routes. All studies in the Initiative include two visits lasting a full day which can be scheduled together or apart. Research visits are set up for the convenience of participants and are offered during the week and on weekends. The total number of visits varies for the three studies.
Participants’ activities
The studies include a general medical evaluation, questionnaires, interviews about emotions and life experiences, cognitive tests (of memory, attention, and problem solving), and an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. MRIs are non-invasive and use no radiation or dyes.
Participants’ results
Families of children who participate will receive written and verbal feedback about their child’s results from a licensed psychologist. Adults will receive a copy of their blood work results and their MRI report if they wish. Our clinical research team is available to discuss results from other study procedures and provide personalized feedback upon request.
Confidentiality
Participants’ confidential health information is protected by a Certificate of Confidentiality from the US Government. Scientific results that are shared with qualified research scientists will not include any personal identifying information.
Payment
Payment for participation varies according to the study. Lunch is provided on full-day visits and most transportation costs are reimbursed.
CURRENT STUDIES
If you are interested in participating in the Initiative, please call (845) 398-2183 or fill out a contact form here.