Jessica Williams, PhD, MPH, PHNA-BC, FAAN

Jessica Williams, PhD, MPH, PHNA-BC, FAAN, is the Assistant Dean for the PhD Program and an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing. A board-certified advanced public health nurse, she brings clinical expertise from both hospital and community settings. Dr. Williams’ research focuses on enhancing healthcare systems’ roles in addressing syndemic health outcomes—such as chronic pain, HIV, and opioid misuse—that are related to interpersonal and gender-based violence and is facilitated through the application of community engagement methodology and dissemination and implementation science. Her research demonstrates how trauma affects patient-provider communication and access to effective health services. This work highlights the unique difficulties survivors face managing chronic health conditions and how internal resources affect these challenges both positively and negatively. Currently, Dr. Williams leads a study on the integration of services for intimate partner violence (IPV), HIV, and substance use in North Carolina, aiming to identify service gaps and foster collaborative, trauma-informed care systems for IPV survivors. She also directs an R25 grant (1R25NR021325-01) to build capacity among maternal health researchers for measuring and addressing IPV. In addition, Dr. Williams regularly teaches courses for health providers focused on screening and responding to intimate partner violence within healthcare settings based on current evidence-based practice guidelines. She earned her PhD in 2008 from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.

AHEC-SON Faculty Description

Jessica R. Williams, PhD, MPH, PHNA-BC, FAAN, is Associate Dean for the PhD Program and an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing. A board-certified advanced public health nurse, Dr. Williams brings a wealth of clinical experience from both hospital and community-based practice. She teaches graduate-level courses on qualitative research methodology and evidence-based practice, with a particular emphasis on trauma-informed care. Dr. Williams also leads specialized training for healthcare providers on IPV screening and response based on the latest evidence-based guidelines. Through her recent R25 grant, she is building capacity for maternal health researchers to address intimate partner violence in their research, equipping them with tools and knowledge to improve outcomes for affected populations. Dr. Williams earned her PhD in 2008 from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.

Publications

Crawford, C., & Williams, J.R. (2024). Support needs of labor and delivery nurses after traumatic experiences. JOGNN: Scholarship for the Care of Women, Childbearing Families & Newborns. Online Ahead of Print. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2024.01.008

Lutz, K., Williams, J., & Purakal, J. (2023). Assessment of emergency department health care providers’ readiness for managing intimate partner violence and correlation with cultural competence. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 49(5), 724-732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2023.04.009

Guzman Ramirez, V., Armendariz Garcia, N.A., & Williams, J.R. (2023). Social motivation as a moderator of the relationship between problematic internet use and alcohol use among adolescents in Mexico. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 34(1), 16-22. doi: 10.1097/JAN.0000000000000508.

Mackler, C.D., Williams, J.R., & Sharpe, L. (2023). Gender-affirming sexual assault nurse examiner care: A program evaluation and quality improvement project at a community-based rape crisis center. Journal of Forensic Nursing, 19(2), 81-87. https://doi.org/10.1097/JFN.0000000000000422

Killela, M.K., Biddell, C., Keim-Malpass, J., Schwartz, T., Soto, S., Williams, J., & Santacroce, S.J. (2023). The use of medical crowdfunding to mitigate the personal costs of serious chronic illness: Scoping review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e44530.

Williams, J.R., Alam, I.Z., & Ranapurwala, S.I. (2022). Trajectories and correlates of opioid prescription receipt among patients experiencing interpersonal violence. Plos One. 17(9), e0273846. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0273846

Williams, J.R., Burton, C.W., Anderson, J.C., & Draughon-Moret, J.E. (2022). NIH Funding of Violence Research by Institute, 2011 to 2020. JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association, 327(22), 2240-2242. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.5635

Williams, J.R., Cole, V., Girdler, S., & Cromeens, M.G. (2022). Personal resource profiles of individuals with a history of interpersonal trauma and their impact on opioid misuse. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 14(S1), S119-S130. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001089

Anderson, J. C., Burton, C. W., Draughon Moret, J. E., & Williams, J. (2022). Application of trauma-informed care principles in academic nursing settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing Forum. Online ahead of print. 22pp. https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12789

Williams, J.R., Girdler, S., Williams, W., & Cromeens, M.G. (2021). The effects of co-occurring interpersonal trauma and gender on opioid use and misuse. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(23-24), NP13185-NP13205. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260519900309

Williams, J.R., McCabe, B.E., de Tantillo, L., Levoy, K., & Behar-Zusman, V. (2021). Health correlates of abuse history and moderating effect of parenting stress for mothers with mental disorders. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 42(6), 555-563. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2020.1820121

Gonzalez-Guarda, R.M., Williams, J.R., Lorenzo, D., & Carrington, C. (2021). Desired characteristics of HIV testing and counseling among diverse survivors of intimate partner violence. Health & Social Work, 46(2), 93-101. https://doi.org/10.1093/hsw/hlab003

Gonzalez-Guarda, R., Williams, J.R., Williams, W.O., Lorenzo, D., & Carrington, C. (2021). Determinants of HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing and acquisition among female victims of intimate partner violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(13-14), NP7547 – NP7566. doi: 10.1177/0886260519827662

Ernst, M.E., Williams, J.R., & McCabe, B.E. (2021). Racial/Ethnic differences in stress, coping, and level of distress of mothers with a child in the intensive care unit. American Journal of Critical Care, 30(4), 275-284. https://doi.org/10.4037/ajcc2021416

Jack, S.M., Munro-Kramer, M.L., Williams, J.R., Schminkey, D., Tomlinson, E., Mayo-Wilson, L.J., Bradbury-Jones, C., & Campbell, J.C. (2021). Recognizing and responding to intimate partner violence using telehealth: Practical considerations for nurses and midwives. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 30(3-4), 588-602. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15554

Williams, J.R., Cole, V., Girdler, S., & Cromeens, M.G. (2020). Exploring stress, cognitive, and affective mechanisms of the relationship between interpersonal trauma and opioid misuse. PLoS One, 15(5), e0233185. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0233185

Williams, J.R., Burton C.W., Anderson, J.C., & Gonzalez-Guarda, R.M. (2020). Scoring interpersonal violence measures: Methodological considerations. Nursing Research, 69(6), 466-475. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNR.0000000000000461

Williams, J.R., Gonzalez-Guarda, R.M., Halstead, V., Martinez, J., & Joseph, L. (2020). Disclosing gender-based violence during health care visits: A patient-centered approach. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 35(23-24), 5552-5573. doi: 10.1177/0886260517720733

Stoler, J., Verity, J., & Williams, J.R. (2020). Geodemographic disparities in availability of comprehensive intimate partner violence services in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 35(7-8), 1654-1670. doi: 10.1177/0886260517698283

Adebayo, O.W., Williams, J.R., & Garcia, A. (2020). “The right place and the right time”: A qualitative study of the decision‐making process of self‐initiated HIV testing among young adults. Research in Nursing & Health, 43(2), 186-194. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.22015

Muthoni, C., Kneipp, S., Gichane, M., Caiola, C., Pettifor, A.A., & Williams, J. (2020). A systematic review of HIV interventions for young women in Sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS and Behavior, 24, 3395-3413. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-020-02914-1

Burton, C.W., Williams, J.R., & Anderson, J. (2019). Trauma-informed care education in baccalaureate nursing curricula in the United States: Applying the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials. Journal of Forensic Nursing, 15(4), 214-221. doi: 10.1097/JFN.0000000000000263

Williams, J.R., Lorenzo, D., Salerno, J., Yeh, V.M., Mitrani, V., & Kripalani, S. (2019). Current applications of precision medicine: A bibliometric analysis. Personalized Medicine. 16(4), 351-359. doi: 10.2217/pme-2018-0089

Williams, J.R., Yeh, V.M., Bruce, M.A., Szetela, C., Ukoli, F., Wilkins, C.H., & Kripalani, S. (2019). Precision medicine: Familiarity, perceived health drivers, and genetic testing considerations across health literacy levels in a diverse sample. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 28(1), 59-69. doi: 10.1007/s10897-018-0291-z

Hooshmand, M., Foronda, C., Snowden, K., de Tantillo, L., & Williams, J.R. (2019). Transforming health care through meaningful Doctor of Nursing Practice community partnerships. Nurse Educator, 44(3), 132-136. doi: 10.1097/NNE.0000000000000577

Williams, J.R., Petersen, N., & Stoler, J. (2018). Characterizing the spatial mismatch between intimate partner violence related healthcare services and arrests in Miami-Dade County, Florida. BMC Public Health, 18(1085), 1-10. doi: 10.1186/s12889-018-5985-5

Salerno, J., McEwing, E.M., Matsuda, Y., Gonzalez-Guarda, R., Ogunrinde, O., Azaiza, M.T., & Williams, J.R. (2018). Evaluation of a nursing student health fairs program: Meeting curricular standards and improving community members’ health. Public Health Nursing, 35(5): 450-457. doi: 10.1111/phn.12402

Adebayo, O.W., Salerno, J.P., Francillon, V., & Williams, J.R. (2018). A systematic review of components of community-based organisation engagement. Health & Social Care in the Community, 26(4), e474-e484. doi: 10.1111/hsc.12533

Halstead, V., Williams, J.R., & Gonzalez-Guarda, R. (2018). College students’ perspectives on student health centers as a sexual assault resource: A qualitative analysis. Violence & Victims, 33(1), 109-125. doi: 10.1891/0886-6708.VV-D-16-00162

Williams, J.R., Gonzalez-Guarda, R.M., & Ilias, V. (2017). Trauma-informed decision-making between providers and victims of intimate partner violence during HIV testing: A qualitative study. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 28(5), 819-831. doi: 10.1016/j.jana.2017.04.010

Halstead, V., Williams, J.R., Gattamorta, K., & Gonzalez-Guarda, R. (2017). Sexual violence screening practices of student health centers located on universities in Florida. Journal of American College Health, 65(8), 548-557. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2017.1351447

Williams, J.R., Halstead, V., Salani, D., & Koermer, N. (2017). An exploration of screening protocols for intimate partner violence in healthcare facilities: A qualitative study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(15-16), 2192-2201. doi: 10.1111/jocn.13353

Halstead, V., Williams, J.R., & Gonzalez-Guarda, R. (2017). Sexual violence in the college population: A systematic review of disclosure and campus resources and services. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(15-16), 2137-2153. doi: 10.1111/jocn.13735

Williams, J.R., Halstead, V., Salani, D., & Koermer, N. (2016). Intimate partner violence screening and response: Policies and procedures across healthcare facilities. Women’s Health Issues, 26(4), 377-383. doi: 10.1016/j.whi.2016.03.006

Williams, J.R., Halstead, V., & Mitchell, E.M. (2016). Two models for public health nursing clinical education. Public Health Nursing, 33(3), 249-255. doi: 10.1111/phn.12256

†Halstead, V., De Santis, J., & Williams, J.R. (2016). Relationship power in the context of heterosexual intimate relationships: A conceptual development. Advances in Nursing Science, 39(2), E31-E43. doi: 10.1097/ANS.0000000000000113

Gonzalez, J., Hill-Rodriguez, D., Hernandez, L., Williams, J.R., & Cordo, J. (2016). The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Humpty Dumpty Falls Prevention Program™️: Preventing falls in children across the globe. Nurse Leader, 14(3), 212-218. doi: 10.1016/j.mnl.2015.12.005

Williams, J.R., Caceda-Castro, L.E., Dusablon, T., & Stipa, M. (2016). Design, development, and evaluation of printed educational materials for evidence-based practice dissemination. International Journal of Evidence-Based Healthcare, 14(2), 84-94. doi: 10.1097/XEB.0000000000000072

Williams, J.R., Gavin, L., Carter, M., & Glass, E. (2015). Client and provider perspectives on quality of care: A systematic review. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 49(2), S93-S106. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2015.03.017

Gavin, L., Williams, J.R., Rivera, M., & Lachance, C. (2015). Programs to strengthen parent-adolescent communication about reproductive health: A systematic review. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 49(2), S65-S72. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2015.03.022

Brittain, A., Williams, J.R., Zapata, L., Pazol, K., Romero, L., & Weik, T.S. (2015). Youth-friendly family planning services for young people: A systematic review. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 49(2), S73-S84. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2015.03.019

Brittain, A., Williams, J.R., Zapata, L., Moskosky, S., & Weik, T.S. (2015). Confidentiality in family planning services for young people: A systematic review. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 49(2), S85-S92. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2015.04.001

Tregear, S.J., Gavin, L., & Williams, J.R. (2015). Systematic review evidence methodology: Providing quality family planning services. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 49(2), S23-S30. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2015.03.033

Franks, M., Dunn, L., Wyss, R., & Williams, J. (2015). Panel on campus and youth responses to gender violence (Transcript), 5U. Miami Race & Social Justice Law Review, 5(2), 619-630. http://repository.law.miami.edu/umrsjlr/vol5/iss2/31

Gonzalez-Guarda, R.M., Williams, J.R., Merisier, M., Cummings, A. & Prado, G. (2014). Acculturation, risk behaviors and physical dating violence victimization among Cuban-American adolescents. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 29(6), 633-640. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2014.03.001

Williams, J.R. & Hennessy, K.D. (2014). Increasing adoption of comparative effectiveness research in community behavioral health: Introduction to special section. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 41(3), 254-257. doi: 10.1007/s11414-014-9415-x

Williams, J.R., Tregear, S. J., Dusablon, T., Caceda-Castro, L. E., Miller, K. J., Hill, G., & Hennessy, K. D. (2014). Increasing adoption of comparative effectiveness research in community behavioral health: methodology. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 41(3), 258-275. doi: 10.1007/s11414-013-9367-6

Williams, J.R., Dusablon, T., Williams, W. O., Blais, M. P., & Hennessy, K. D. (2014). Characteristics of community health organizations and decision-makers considering the adoption of motivational interviewing. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 41(3), 276-293. doi: 10.1007/s11414-013-9380-9

Williams, J. R., Blais, M. P., Banks, D., Dusablon, T., Williams, W. O., & Hennessy, K. D. (2014). Predictors of the decision to adopt motivational interviewing in community health settings. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 41(3), 294-307. doi: 10.1007/s11414-013-9357-8

Williams, J. R., Williams, W. O., Dusablon, T., Blais, M. P., Banks, D., & Hennessy, K. D. (2014). Evaluation of a randomized intervention to increase adoption of comparative effectiveness research by community health organizations. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 41(3), 308-323. doi: 10.1007/s11414-013-9369-4

Hettema, J.E., Ernst, D., Williams, J.R., & Miller, K. J. (2014). Parallel processes: Using motivational interviewing as an implementation coaching strategy. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 41(3), 324-336. doi: 10.1007/s11414-013-9381-8

Peterson, A. E., Bond, G. R., Drake, R. E., McHugo, G. J., Jones, A. M., & Williams, J. R. (2014). Predicting the long-term sustainability of evidence-based practices in mental health care: An 8-year longitudinal analysis. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 41(3), 337-346. doi: 10.1007/s11414-013-9347-x

Jones, A. M., Bond. G. R., Peterson, A. E., Drake, R. E., McHugo, G. J., & Williams, J. R. (2014). Role of state mental health leaders in supporting evidence-based practices over time. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, 41(3), 347-355. doi: 10.1007/s11414-013-9358-7

Bond, G. R., Drake, R. E., McHugo, G. J., Peterson, A. E., Jones, A. M., & Williams, J. R. (2014). Long-term sustainability of evidence-based practices in community mental health agencies. Administration and Policy in Mental Health. 41(2), 228-236. doi: 10.1007/s10488-012-0461-5

Farr, S.L., Dietz, P.M., Williams, J.R., Gibbs, F., & Tregear, S. (2011). Depression screening and treatment among nonpregnant women of reproductive age in the United States, 1990 – 2010. Preventing Chronic Disease, 8(6), A122. http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2011/nov/11_0062.htm. PMCID: PMC3221564

Williams, J.R., Fredland, N., Han, H., Campbell, J.C., & Kub, J.E. (2009). Relational aggression and adverse psychosocial and physical health symptoms among urban adolescents. Public Health Nursing. 26(6), 489-499. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1446.2009.00808.x

Williams, J.R., Ghandour, R.M., & Kub, J.E. (2008). Female perpetration of violence in heterosexual intimate relationships: Adolescence through adulthood. Trauma, Violence and Abuse. 9(4), 227-249. doi: 10.1177/1524838008324418. PMCID: PMC2663360

Williams, J. R., Mark, H. D., Nanda, J., & Zenilman, J. (2008). Recruitment strategies and motivations for sexually transmitted disease testing among college students. Journal of American College Health. 57(3), 357-360. doi: 10.3200/JACH.57.3.357-360. PMCID: PMC2774715

Mark, H.D., Nanda, J., Joffe, A., Roberts, J., Rompalo, A., & Zenilman, J. (2008). Serologic screening for the herpes simplex virus among university students: a pilot study. Journal of American College Health. 57(3), 291-296. doi: 10.3200/JACH.57.3.291-296. PMCID: PMC2774724

Mark, H. D., Nanda, J., Roberts, J., Rompalo, A., Melendez, J., & Zenilman, J. (2007). Performance of Focus ELISA tests for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies among university students with no history of genital herpes. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 34(9), 681-685. doi: 10.1097/01.olq.0000258307.18831.f0. PMCID: PMC2648390

Research Grants (currently funded)

Williams, J.R., Multiple Principal Investigator. Uncovering Structural Barriers to HIV and Substance Use Service Access for People Impacted by Intimate Partner Violence in North Carolina. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing Dean’s Pilot Award, 2024-2025, $14,995

Research Grants (completed)

Williams, J.R., Principal Investigator. Longitudinal Prescription Opioid Use among Patients Experiencing Interpersonal Violence. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Injury Prevention Research Center Pilot Award. 2022-2022, $9,825

Williams, J.R., Multiple Principal Investigator. Toward a Geographic Clearinghouse of Intimate Partner Violence Services and Community Determinants in Miami-Dade County. University of Miami, Institute for the Americas. Interdisciplinary Faculty Working Group Seed Grant. 2017-2018, $7,500

Williams, J.R., Principal Investigator. Decisions to Disclose and Defining Patient-Centered Outcomes for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence and Human Trafficking during Healthcare Visits. University of Miami, Dean’s Award, 2015-2016, $4,420

Williams, J.R., Co-Investigator. Disparities in HIV, STIs and Testing Among Victims of Intimate Partner Violence (PI: Gonzalez-Guarda). NIMHD/NIH, P60MD002266, 2014-2016, $180,113

Williams, J.R., Principal Investigator. Trauma-Informed Decision-Making Between Providers and Victims of Intimate Partner Violence During HIV Testing: A Qualitative Study. Center for Prevention Implementation Methodology for Drug Abuse and Sexual Risk Behavior. 2014-2016, $24,885

Williams, J.R., Principal Investigator. Screening for Intimate Partner Violence among Healthcare Facilities in Miami-Dade County. University of Miami James W. McLamore Research Award in Business and Social Sciences. 2014-2015, $16,770

Williams, J.R., Principal Investigator. Recovery: Increasing Adoption of Patient-Centered Behavioral Health Research by Primary Care and Behavioral Health Providers and Systems. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 283-10-0358, 2010-2012, $1,944,004

Training and Evaluation Grants (currently funded)

Williams, J.R., Principal Investigator. Bridging Research Gaps: Building Capacity for Measuring and Addressing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Maternal Health Research. NINR/NIH, R25NR021325, 7/2024-7/2026, $426,796

Training and Evaluation Grants (completed)

Williams, J.R., Principal Investigator. Building Sustainable Partnerships between Community Health Centers & Domestic Violence Programs in the North Carolina. Carolina Center for Public Service. 2018-2020, $10,000

Williams, J.R., Co-Director. Implementation Core, Center of Excellence in Precision Medicine and Population Health (PI: Wilkins, Cox, Lima, Weiss). NIMHD/NIH, U54MD010722, 2016-2017, $1,077,715

Williams, J.R., Program Evaluator. Miami Dade County Human Trafficking Collaborative Project (PI: Mesa). OVC/DOJ, OVC-2016-9290, 2016-2017, $30,000

Williams, J.R., Co-Director. Research, Training and Education Core, Center of Excellence for Health Disparities Research: EL CENTRO (PIs: Peragallo, Mitrani). NIMHD/NIH, P60MD002266, 2016-1017, $412,527

Williams, J.R., Co-Director. Community Engagement, Dissemination, and Implementation Core, Center of Excellence for Health Disparities Research: EL CENTRO (PIs: Peragallo, Mitrani). NIMHD/NIH, P60MD002266, 2014-2017, $495,256

• Improving health for survivors of gender-based violence
• Intersection of gender-based violence, substance use, and mental health
• Health disparities related to gender-based violence and access to care