A program to prevent drug overdoses in young people
Official title: A Universal Primary Care Based Intervention to Reduce Youth Overdose Risk
Funded at Boston Medical Center · NIH-11033346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping teens and young adults stay safe from drug overdoses by teaching them about the risks of fake pills and how to prevent overdoses, with support from their doctors during check-ups and input from young people in the community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,233,787 |
| NIH project number | 1R61DA062217-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults under 21 who may be at risk of drug overdose due to exposure to counterfeit pills or other drugs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 21 and under or those who are not at risk of drug overdose may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and evaluate a universal intervention within primary care settings to prevent drug overdoses among adolescents and young adults. It focuses on increasing awareness of the dangers of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and educating youth on overdose prevention strategies. The intervention will involve primary care providers who will deliver guidance during routine physical exams, helping to equip young patients with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and respond to overdose situations. The project will also engage a Youth Community Advisory Board to ensure the intervention is relevant and effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of overdose among youth by increasing their awareness and preparedness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that educational interventions in primary care settings can effectively improve health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bagley, Sarah M — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bagley, Sarah M
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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.