Community health workers helping people leaving jail get faster COVID testing and protection
Leveraging community health workers to improve SARS-CoV-2 testing and mitigation among criminal justice-involved individuals accessing a corrections-focused community-based organization
On-site rapid COVID testing plus education from community health workers for people recently released from jail or prison to help prevent spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11088728 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you recently left jail or prison and use services at the partner community center, this program offers on-the-spot rapid COVID tests and education delivered by community health workers. Participants are randomly assigned to receive the on-site testing and CHW support or the usual services the center provides. The study team will track test results, follow-up care, and costs to see whether the approach reduces COVID spread and is cost-effective. Community health workers will help explain results, connect you to isolation options and local resources, and teach ways to lower your risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People recently released from jail or prison who use the participating community-based organization, especially those living in congregate settings or with unstable housing.
Not a fit: People who were not recently incarcerated, who do not use the partner organization, or who already have reliable access to testing and isolation supports may not directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce COVID-19 spread after release, speed access to test results and care, and connect people to isolation supports and other services.
How similar studies have performed: Community health worker programs and point-of-care testing have improved testing uptake and care linkage in other underserved groups, but randomized trials among people exiting incarceration are limited.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akiyama, Matthew — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Akiyama, Matthew
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 below.