Improving responses to drug overdose deaths using real-time data tracking
Official title: Addressing substance use among the social networks of suspected drug overdose decedents: rapidly translating epidemiology into prevention intervention science
Funded at Friends Research Institute, INC. · NIH-11104245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new tool called the Suspected Potential Overdose Tracker (SPOT) to help quickly identify drug overdose deaths, so that we can better respond to the overdose crisis and support communities affected by it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Friends Research Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $157,603 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DA057685-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11104245 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are part of social networks affected by drug overdose fatalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not connected to communities experiencing high rates of drug overdose may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the identification of drug overdose deaths through a tool called the Suspected Potential Overdose Tracker (SPOT), developed by the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner. By utilizing data collected during death investigations, the tool aims to provide near real-time predictions of unintentional drug overdoses. The study will assess the tool's effectiveness across various populations and improve its accuracy, ultimately aiding public health responses to the overdose epidemic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more effective public health interventions to prevent drug overdose deaths.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings from similar approaches have shown promise, indicating that real-time data tracking can effectively identify overdose deaths.
Where this research is happening
-
Friends Research Institute, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hochstatter, Karli Rae — Friends Research Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Hochstatter, Karli Rae
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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.