Developing community technology to reduce overdose risks and improve access to services
Official title: Together Against Overdose: community developed technology to encourage drug checking, distribution of harm reduction supplies, and linkage to services
Funded at Ndri-USA, INC. · NIH-10986354 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping people who use drugs stay safe by creating easy-to-use tools and resources that teach them about the dangers of mixed drugs and connect them to local support services, all while working closely with the community to make sure the information is helpful and available in both English and Spanish.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ndri-USA, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $803,573 |
| NIH project number | 1R61DA059035-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986354 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who use drugs, particularly those at risk of overdose due to the presence of dangerous adulterants in their substances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use drugs or are not at risk of overdose may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the rising rates of overdose deaths by creating community-developed technology that encourages drug checking and the distribution of harm reduction supplies. The project aims to educate individuals about the risks associated with adulterated drugs and improve their access to nearby harm reduction services. By utilizing a participatory approach, the research team will engage with local communities to develop materials in both English and Spanish that promote safer drug use practices and increase health literacy regarding overdose prevention. The methodology involves understanding the barriers faced by substance users and finding effective ways to overcome them through technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce overdose deaths by empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to make safer choices regarding drug use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using community-based interventions and technology to improve health outcomes among substance-using populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Ndri-USA, INC.
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aronson, Ian David — Ndri-USA, INC.
- Study coordinator: Aronson, Ian David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Together Against Overdose: Community technology to link people to care and treatment
A community-driven project will create English and Spanish materials and digital tools to help people who use drugs access harm-reduction services and medications for opioid use disorder.
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How pharmaceutical messaging affects opioid use among U.S. military veterans
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Examining alcohol use among emergency medical service providers
This study looks at how often emergency medical service workers drink alcohol, especially since their job can be really stressful, and it aims to find ways to help them stay healthy and cope better with their experiences.
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.