Improving support for Black and Latinx individuals affected by opioid use through technology and training.
Official title: Addressing racial disparities in opioid overdose deaths using an open source peer recovery coach training and multimodal mobile health platform
Funded at Friends Research Institute, INC. · NIH-10800295 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a helpful training program and a mobile app to support Black and Latinx individuals dealing with opioid use, offering them personalized help through texts and videos to make it easier for them to find treatment and overcome challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Friends Research Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $225,981 |
| NIH project number | 1R34DA059770-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10800295 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black and Latinx individuals who use opioids and face barriers to accessing treatment and support.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black or Latinx or those who do not use opioids may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the high rates of opioid overdose deaths among Black and Latinx individuals by developing an open-source training program for peer recovery coaches and a mobile health platform. The project utilizes artificial intelligence to provide real-time support and resources to individuals struggling with opioid use, helping them navigate social and healthcare barriers. Participants will receive tailored assistance through text messaging and interactive video modules designed to enhance recovery support and reduce stigma. The goal is to improve access to treatment and social services for those affected by opioid use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce opioid overdose deaths and improve recovery outcomes for Black and Latinx individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using technology and peer support to improve health outcomes in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Friends Research Institute, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tofighi, Babak — Friends Research Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Tofighi, Babak
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.