Adapting a social network program to help end HIV transmission
Official title: Informing, Updating and Adapting an Existing Evidence-Based Social Network Alteration Intervention for HIV Transmission Elimination
Funded at New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-11408929 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, patient-friendly project is updating a proven social-network approach to help communities reduce new HIV infections and improve prevention and care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $466,466 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH142274-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408929 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals in priority populations affected by HIV who engage with community-based organizations or FQHC providers.
✕Less likely to help
People not connected to the networks or communities targeted by the adaptation may not experience direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project will work with community partners and health centers to tailor a proven social-network intervention so it fits the needs of people most affected by HIV. It focuses on how people are connected and how information, support, and resources flow within networks to prevent transmission. Through workshops and collaboration, the team will identify network factors that can be changed and culturally adapt the program to be more relevant and feasible in real communities. The work aims to make the intervention easier to implement in real-world settings while maintaining its effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the adapted program could be more acceptable and effective in reducing HIV transmissions in priority communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous versions of the program (WiLLOW) have shown promise; this project tests adaptation to improve real-world impact.
Where this research is happening
-
New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knox, Justin — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Knox, Justin
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.