Examining how health policies can improve drug addiction treatment during disasters like COVID-19.

Studying How State and Local Health Services Delivery Policies can Mitigate the Effects of Disasters on Drug Addiction Treatment and Overdose: A Mixed-Methods Study of COVID-19.

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10836490

This study is looking at how different health policies, like telehealth and naloxone distribution, can help people struggling with drug addiction get the care they need during tough times, like disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10836490 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how state and local health service delivery policies can help mitigate the negative effects of disasters on drug addiction treatment and overdose prevention. By analyzing various policies, such as telehealth services and naloxone distribution, the study aims to understand their impact on access to care during crises. The researchers will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from all 50 states with qualitative insights to assess the effectiveness of these policies. This work is particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where traditional treatment methods may have been disrupted.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with drug addiction who may have faced barriers to treatment during disasters.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have drug addiction or those who are not affected by disaster-related disruptions to treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to drug addiction treatment and overdose prevention during public health emergencies.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that policy changes can significantly improve access to care during emergencies, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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 2026-06-10 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.