Improving access to HIV and hepatitis C testing for people who inject drugs.
Official title: Project ACCESS: Advancing Equitable Access to HIV/HCV Testing Through Structural Transformation in Syringe Services Programs: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11124059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make it easier for people who inject drugs to get tested for HIV and hepatitis C by improving syringe services programs, so if you’re part of this community, you might find it easier to access testing and get the support you need for better health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $661,225 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA060462-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124059 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who inject drugs and are at risk for HIV and hepatitis C infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not inject drugs or are not at risk for HIV or hepatitis C may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the availability and uptake of HIV and hepatitis C testing among people who inject drugs (PWID) by transforming syringe services programs (SSPs). It will implement a comprehensive strategy that addresses organizational barriers to testing, such as financial constraints and staff training. By conducting a cluster randomized trial, the project will evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in increasing testing rates and improving health outcomes for PWID. Participants will be engaged in community health settings to ensure that testing is accessible and effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of people who know their HIV and hepatitis C status, leading to timely treatment and better health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in implementing similar strategies to improve testing rates in community health settings, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bartholomew, Tyler Scott — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Bartholomew, Tyler Scott
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.