Crowdsourced digital messages to boost HIV/STI/HCV testing and overdose-prevention kit use for survivors of sex trafficking in NYC
Official title: A Citizen Science Approach to Increase HIV/STI/HCV Testing and Substance Use Service Utilization Among Survivors of Sex Trafficking Living in New York City
Funded at Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-11402002 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A crowdsourced digital messaging approach is being tested to help survivors of sex trafficking in New York City get more HIV/STI/HCV testing and use overdose-prevention kits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $245,643 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA063049-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402002 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Survivors of sex trafficking in New York City who are at risk for HIV/STIs/HCV and have SUD or related barriers to care.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not engaged with or affected by sex trafficking or not at risk for HIV/STIs/HCV may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project partners with survivors to create digital messages tailored to their experiences and needs, aiming to increase uptake of HIV/STI/HCV testing and use of overdose-prevention resources. It uses a randomized controlled design to compare the crowdsourced messaging to standard messaging. Remote testing options and online delivery of overdose prevention kits are also explored to reduce barriers to care among survivors living in NYC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could make testing and overdose-prevention resources more accessible and acceptable for survivors of sex trafficking.
How similar studies have gone: Prior crowdsource-based public health messaging has shown promise in increasing engagement, but this specific survivor-focused approach is being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia Univ New York Morningside
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davis, Alissa — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Davis, Alissa
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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.