Creating fair guidelines for post-release supervision to prevent overdose and suicide among formerly incarcerated individuals

Developing Racially Equitable post-release supervision Assignment guidelines to prevent overdose and suicide Mortality among formerly incarcerated people (DREAM)

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11065954

This study is looking at ways to make the support people get after being released from prison better, especially to help reduce the chances of drug overdoses and suicides, so that everyone can have a safer and healthier transition back into their communities.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11065954 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving post-release supervision (PRS) for individuals who have been incarcerated, particularly addressing the high risk of drug overdose and suicide they face upon release. The study aims to identify factors that influence the length of PRS assignments and to develop evidence-based recommendations for modifying these policies. By optimizing PRS terms, the research seeks to balance the benefits of supervision with the risks of reincarceration, particularly for racially minoritized populations. The ultimate goal is to create a safer reintegration process that reduces mortality rates among these vulnerable individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently been released from incarceration and are subject to post-release supervision.

Not a fit: Patients who are not formerly incarcerated or who are not involved in post-release supervision may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to reduced rates of overdose and suicide among formerly incarcerated individuals, improving their chances of successful reintegration into society.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting the optimization of post-release supervision for overdose and suicide prevention, similar approaches in other contexts have shown promise in improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.