An interactive text messaging program to help people manage health risks from climate change.
Official title: Beat Extreme: An Interactive, Tailored Text Messaging Program Combining Extreme Weather Alerts with Hyper-localized Resources & Actionable Insights for Addressing Climate Change
Funded at Pro-Change Behavior Systems, INC. · NIH-10698887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly text messaging program called Beat Extreme that sends you personalized alerts and helpful resources about health risks from climate change, like extreme heat or poor air quality, so you can stay safe and healthy based on where you live and your health needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pro-Change Behavior Systems, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Narragansett, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $295,923 |
| NIH project number | 1R43ES035344-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10698887 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults, particularly older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions like asthma, who are at higher risk from climate-related health threats.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by climate-related health risks or who do not reside in areas prone to extreme weather events may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research develops an interactive text messaging program called Beat Extreme, designed to provide tailored information about climate-related health risks, such as extreme temperatures and air quality alerts. By integrating data from the National Weather Service, the program aims to engage users with varying levels of concern about climate change and offer personalized resources to mitigate their specific health risks. Participants will receive alerts and links to local resources, such as cooling centers or shelters, based on their zip code and health conditions. The goal is to raise awareness and support behavior changes that can improve health outcomes in the face of climate change.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower patients to better manage their health in relation to climate change, potentially reducing health risks associated with extreme weather events.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using interactive text messaging for health communication is gaining traction, this specific integration of climate change awareness and localized resources is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Pro-Change Behavior Systems, INC.
Narragansett, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Sara S — Pro-Change Behavior Systems, INC.
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Sara S
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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.