Exploring ways to reduce opioid misuse and its health impacts in Indigenous communities

Research Project 3

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10913568

This study is looking at how Indigenous communities can create programs that provide clean syringes and support for people using opioids, blending modern harm reduction methods with traditional healing, to help improve health and reduce issues like infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10913568 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how Indigenous communities can successfully implement syringe services programs (SSPs) that combine harm reduction strategies with traditional healing practices. By engaging with these communities, the project aims to identify factors that contribute to the effective integration of various health approaches. The methodology includes community-based participatory research, which ensures that the voices and needs of Indigenous Peoples are central to the research process. The goal is to address the high rates of opioid misuse and related health issues, such as infectious diseases, in these populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Indigenous individuals who are affected by opioid misuse or injection drug use.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Indigenous or are not affected by opioid misuse may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced harm from opioid misuse in Indigenous communities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that integrating traditional healing practices with modern health approaches can be effective in improving health outcomes in Indigenous populations.

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.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.