A new approach to reduce overdose risk for women leaving prison
Official title: An innovative, trauma-informed approach for reducing overdose risk among women re-entering the community from prison
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10987454 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to create and try out a special support program for women who are coming back to their communities after being in prison, helping them deal with challenges like past trauma and substance use to reduce the risk of overdose.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $444,826 |
| NIH project number | 1R61DA061365-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987454 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who are currently incarcerated and preparing for re-entry into the community.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in the criminal legal system or who are not women may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and test a trauma-informed intervention specifically designed for women re-entering the community after incarceration. It recognizes the unique challenges faced by these women, including histories of substance use and violence, and seeks to provide tailored support during their transition. The project will adapt existing intervention strategies to create a supportive environment through group sessions in prison and recovery support upon release. By focusing on these critical moments, the research hopes to improve outcomes for women at high risk of overdose.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of overdose among women re-entering society after prison.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that trauma-informed approaches can be effective in improving outcomes for vulnerable populations, suggesting potential success for this innovative method.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Staton, Michele — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Staton, Michele
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.