Helping people who use drugs in rural Appalachia to reduce health risks
Official title: Engaging People Who Use Drugs in Harm Reduction Service Delivery: An Intravention to Reduce Risk of HIV, HCV, Overdose, and Injection-related Infections in Rural Appalachia
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11030486 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping people who use drugs in rural Kentucky by using support from peers to make it easier for them to access important health services that can prevent overdose and diseases like hepatitis C and HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,533,697 |
| NIH project number | 1R61DA061831-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030486 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use drugs and reside in rural Kentucky, particularly those at risk for overdose and infectious diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use drugs or live outside the targeted rural Kentucky counties may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on implementing a peer-driven approach to enhance harm reduction services for individuals who use drugs in two rural counties in Kentucky. The project aims to address critical health risks such as overdose, hepatitis C, and HIV by increasing the utilization of syringe service programs. By engaging peers who understand the challenges faced by these individuals, the initiative seeks to create a supportive environment that encourages participation and reduces stigma. The methodology includes outreach and education to overcome barriers that prevent people from accessing these vital services.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of overdose, hepatitis C, and HIV among people who use drugs in rural areas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that peer-driven interventions can effectively increase engagement in harm reduction services, suggesting a promising approach for this initiative.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, April Marie — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Young, April Marie
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.