Improving access to HIV prevention for people who inject drugs in Appalachia
Official title: Optimizing Low Threshold TelePrEP Care in Syringe Service Programs for People who Inject Drugs in Appalachia
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11077812 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make it easier for people who inject drugs in rural Appalachia to access PrEP, a medication that helps prevent HIV, by using local support programs and friendly peer helpers to overcome challenges like stigma and limited healthcare.
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 | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $296,530 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA060087-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077812 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who inject drugs and reside in rural Appalachian areas with limited access to healthcare services.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not inject drugs or those living outside the Appalachian region may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for people who inject drugs (PWID) in rural Appalachia, where HIV rates are alarmingly high. By utilizing existing syringe service programs, the study will develop and test a low-threshold, peer-facilitated TelePrEP intervention that addresses barriers such as poverty, stigma, and limited healthcare access. The approach focuses on meeting PWID where they are, providing them with the necessary support and resources to engage in PrEP care effectively. The research will involve collaboration with local harm reduction services to ensure that the intervention is tailored to the specific needs of the community.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase PrEP uptake among PWID, thereby reducing the incidence of HIV in high-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that low-threshold access models can effectively increase PrEP uptake among marginalized populations, suggesting a promising approach for this intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Surratt, Hilary L — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Surratt, Hilary L
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.