Helping women affected by sex trafficking access healthcare services
Official title: Development and Testing of the Healthcare Empowerment and Advocacy for Recovery from Trafficking (HEART) Intervention for Syringe Service Programs
Funded at University of Miami Coral Gables · NIH-11161831 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program called HEART to help women who have been affected by sex trafficking by providing them with safe access to important healthcare services, like support for HIV, substance use, and mental health, all in a friendly and understanding environment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami Coral Gables NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $677,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R34DA063047-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161831 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have experienced sex trafficking or are at risk of being trafficked.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as women or who have not experienced sex trafficking may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing a new intervention called HEART, aimed at supporting women who have experienced or are vulnerable to sex trafficking. The approach involves using syringe service programs as a safe and non-stigmatizing environment to connect these women with essential healthcare services, including HIV prevention and treatment, substance use disorder support, and mental health resources. By employing peer-delivered brief interventions, the project seeks to empower these women and improve their access to comprehensive care. The methodology includes assessing the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention within the target population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve healthcare access and outcomes for women affected by sex trafficking.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that syringe service programs can effectively engage marginalized populations in healthcare, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami Coral Gables
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nowotny, Kathryn M — University of Miami Coral Gables
- Study coordinator: Nowotny, Kathryn M
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.