Post-release support to stay on HIV treatment and prevent HIV
Official title: A Decentralized, Status neutral, Stakeholder-engaged, post-incarceration intervention for people with and at risk for HIV
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11379406 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project offers peer-led, community-based support and services to people recently released from jail or prison who have or are at risk for HIV, especially those with substance use challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,164,166 |
| NIH project number | 4R33DA060627-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11379406 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People recently released from incarceration who have HIV or are at substantial risk for HIV, particularly those with substance use disorders and unstable housing, are the intended participants.
✕Less likely to help
People who were not recently incarcerated, who have no HIV risk or who prefer traditional clinic-based care may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
You would work with peer navigators and community organizations that focus on people leaving incarceration to get HIV treatment (ART) or prevention (PrEP), substance use care, and help with housing and employment. Care and services are delivered in decentralized, community-friendly ways rather than only in clinics, and the program was designed with input from people and organizations with lived experience. The team will pilot and refine the program in phases to make it practical and acceptable after release. The goal is to reduce gaps in care and lower the chance of HIV transmission when people re-enter the community.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help more people stay on HIV treatment, achieve viral suppression, increase PrEP use for those at risk, and reduce HIV transmission after release from jail or prison.
How similar studies have gone: Previous programs using peer navigation and community linkages have improved linkage to HIV care and treatment in some settings, but post-release outcomes are still inconsistent and PrEP support in this population is less well studied.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akiyama, Matthew — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Akiyama, Matthew
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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.