Improving engagement in post-injury mental health care with community health workers
Official title: Improving Engagement in Post-Injury Mental Health Care Through Community Health Worker-Enhanced Trauma Recovery Services
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11435930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at a program that uses community health workers to help trauma survivors stay engaged with mental health care after injuries like gunshot wounds or car crashes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $226,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MD021589-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11435930 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (25–64) who have recently survived traumatic injuries and face psychosocial challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to post-discharge support or those not experiencing social barriers may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on a proven program that screens patients at the hospital, educates them about mental health needs, and connects them with stepped care after discharge. It aims to increase follow-up and sustained engagement by adding community health workers to support trauma survivors facing social challenges such as housing, food, and transportation insecurity. The study will track how well this approach reduces distress and improves functioning during the critical first year after injury. Participants would be adults who recently experienced a traumatic injury and are navigating post-discharge care, with attention to those experiencing social barriers. Results could inform hospitals on scalable ways to improve long-term mental health outcomes for trauma patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more trauma survivors will stay engaged with mental health care, leading to better recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous use of the TRRP model at multiple trauma centers suggests feasibility and acceptability, with potential for stronger engagement.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skojec, Theresa Ann — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Skojec, Theresa Ann
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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.