Reducing HIV, HCV, and overdose risks in rural Appalachia using harm reduction kiosks
Kentucky Outreach Service Kiosk (KyOSK): Reducing HIV, HCV, and Overdose Risk in Rural Appalachia through Harm Reduction Kiosks
This study is testing new kiosks in rural Appalachian Kentucky that will offer support and resources for people at risk of HIV, hepatitis C, and drug overdoses, making it easier for those who inject drugs to get help in a friendly and welcoming way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10875606 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to implement harm reduction kiosks in rural Appalachian Kentucky to address the intertwined crises of HIV, hepatitis C (HCV), and drug overdoses. The kiosks will provide essential services and resources to individuals at risk, particularly those who inject drugs, in a stigma-free environment. By increasing access to harm reduction services, the project seeks to improve health outcomes and reduce the spread of infections in a region heavily impacted by these issues. The approach is based on previous findings that highlighted the need for more accessible and less stigmatizing options for individuals in this community.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in rural Appalachia who are at risk for HIV, HCV, or overdose, particularly those who inject drugs.
Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in rural Appalachian areas or who are not at risk for HIV, HCV, or overdose may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of HIV and HCV infections and overdose deaths in rural Appalachian communities.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success with harm reduction strategies in urban settings, but this approach in rural Appalachia is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, April Marie — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Young, April Marie
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.