Low-threshold hepatitis C treatment in jail to help people released back to the community
Official title: Implementing a Low-Threshold Hepatitis C Treatment in a Jail Setting
Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-11394546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly plan to test a simple, quick hepatitis C treatment in jail for people who use drugs, with care that continues after release.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $235,230 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA061732-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with hepatitis C (with or without HIV co-infection) who are incarcerated in jails and are willing to participate and be linked to community care after release.
✕Less likely to help
People without hepatitis C or those not planning to seek post-release care may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant tests a streamlined hepatitis C treatment approach in jail settings to help people who inject drugs access care without barriers. It uses a minimally monitored protocol with take‑home medications and support from community health workers to help patients stay on track after they are released. The study will measure whether this approach is feasible in the jail environment and whether it leads to successful treatment completion and linkage to ongoing care. By focusing on a high-risk, underserved population, the project aims to reduce hepatitis C transmission and improve health outcomes after release.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could expand access to hepatitis C treatment for incarcerated individuals and improve health outcomes after release.
How similar studies have gone: Prior MINMON-style approaches have shown promise, but applying them in jail settings is novel and requires feasibility testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berk, Justin — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Berk, Justin
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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.