Improving HIV Prevention and Overdose Safety for People Who Inject Drugs
Impact of a novel HIV peer navigationand overdose prevention intervention on engagement in the HIV prevention and treatment cascade.
This project offers a new way to help people who inject drugs connect with HIV prevention and treatment, including overdose safety services.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144395 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are creating a mobile health van that brings HIV prevention, peer support, and drug checking services directly to people who inject drugs. This van aims to make it easier for individuals to learn about and access pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that prevents HIV. Peer navigators will also be available to offer support and help with various needs, while drug checking services provide information about drug contents to promote safer practices. Our goal is to expand access to these vital services and improve health outcomes for this community.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are people who inject drugs and are interested in HIV prevention, treatment, and overdose safety services.
Not a fit: Patients who do not inject drugs or are not at risk for HIV through injection drug use would not directly benefit from this specific intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce new HIV infections and overdose deaths among people who inject drugs by improving access to critical prevention and treatment services.
How similar studies have performed: While mobile health services have shown promise in reaching underserved populations, this specific combination of PrEP, peer navigation, and drug checking in a mobile setting is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sherman, Susan G. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sherman, Susan G.
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 below.