Current Visits

CANDLE is currently enrolling existing study participants in two different studies- ECHO and NIDA.

ECHO (Cycle 2): ECHO seeks to answer important childhood health questions that help understand how the environment and things that happen early in children’s lives—even before they are born—affect their development, health, and well-being. This is a seven-year study with 2025 being our second year! NIDA: The purpose of this study is to examine how risk factors in the life experiences of children are associated with adolescent substance misuse. The special focus of this study is whether these risk factors are different for black and white youth and how these differences may affect substance misuse. This is a three-year study, and we are currently enrolling participants for all three years (1-3)! Click below for more information about each visit.

• ECHO

  2026 Visit Procedures (child ages 11-17) The ECHO study visit includes remote and in-person procedures. Remote portion: We’ll start by updating your contact information and then send survey links. Both mom and child participants can complete these at their convenience—an especially great option for families who live farther away! In-person portion: A CANDLE staff member will schedule a separate visit to collect child testing, physical measurements, and biospecimens. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect at the 2026 visit: 📝 Surveys for both Mom & Child (can be completed remotely prior to the visit) 📏 Child Physical Measurements: • Blood pressure • Height, weight, and waist circumference • Hair collection (if the child agrees and has a suitable hairstyle) 🧠 Academic games for the child 📱 Mobile Toolbox for Mom 💰 Compensation: Up to $325 per family In-person visits can range between 1-2 hours. For more information on ECHO’s research focus please visit: https://echochildren.org/

• NIDA

  2026 Visit Procedures NIDA study visits can be conducted either remotely or in person, with each visit taking place ten months to one year apart. The first visit (conducted in-person or online) includes survey questionnaires for both the mother and child participants. If the visit is in-person, cognitive testing for the child participant will also be conducted. The second and third visits (conducted completely remotely) include survey questionnaires for both the mother and child participants. Upon completion of the surveys, families can receive compensation of up to $200 in gift cards! Questionnaires will focus on the following areas: Age, race, sex, gender, language, household information, and jobs Mental health – including anxiety and depression Things that may cause stress in your or your child’s life Relationships with your child, family, and friends Your family’s feelings and rules about drug or alcohol use Adolescents will not be asked to report on your family’s use of drugs or alcohol