A decentralized, post-release program to help people with HIV stay on treatment and keep PrEP safe
Official title: A Decentralized, Status neutral, Stakeholder-engaged, post-incarceration intervention for people with and at risk for HIV
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11416647 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A phased program will connect people who have HIV and are leaving jail or prison, or are at risk, with peer support and community organizations to improve access to ART and PrEP and help with housing and stigma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,231,968 |
| NIH project number | 5R33DA060627-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416647 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HIV who are recently released from incarceration or who are at risk for HIV and have SUD, housing instability, or barriers to care.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HIV or without carceral involvement or risk factors may not directly benefit from this program.
What this research studies
This project targets people who are recently released from carceral settings or at risk for HIV. It combines peer navigation with partnerships to address housing, employment, and stigma, aiming to keep people on ART or on PrEP after re-entry. The study will develop and test a flexible, community-connected approach that works in real-world settings after release. The focus is on reducing gaps in care that occur during the transition back to the community and ensuring sustainable access to HIV medications and prevention. It is designed to adapt to the needs of individuals with substance use disorders and diverse social circumstances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce HIV viral load and prevent new infections by helping people stay adherent to ART and take PrEP after release.
How similar studies have gone: Prior interventions show that peer navigation and community support can improve linkage to care after incarceration, but results vary by setting and population.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akiyama, Matthew — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Akiyama, Matthew
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.