Reducing HIV, hepatitis C, and overdose risks among Puerto Rican drug users in New York City
Official title: Ending HIV and Taming HCV and Overdose Among Puerto Rican PWID in New York City: The Ganchero Intervention
Funded at North Jersey AIDS Alliance ,INC. (Njcri) · NIH-11078234 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to create a friendly program that helps Puerto Rican people in New York City who use injectable drugs stay safe from HIV, hepatitis C, and opioid overdoses by providing them with education and support from local leaders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Jersey AIDS Alliance ,INC. (Njcri) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $133,329 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA057166-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078234 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Puerto Rican individuals who inject drugs and reside in New York City, particularly those who migrated from Puerto Rico.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not inject drugs or are not part of the Puerto Rican community in New York City may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a culturally tailored intervention aimed at reducing the risks of HIV, hepatitis C (HCV), and opioid overdose among Puerto Rican people who inject drugs (PWID) in New York City. The project recognizes the unique vulnerabilities faced by this population, particularly those who migrated from Puerto Rico. Through community engagement and leveraging the role of local leaders known as Gancheros, the intervention will provide education, resources, and support to help prevent these health issues. The study will take place over three years, aiming to create a sustainable model for health improvement in this high-risk group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of HIV, HCV, and overdose among Puerto Rican PWID, leading to improved health outcomes and community well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in culturally tailored interventions for at-risk populations, indicating a promising approach for this specific group.
Where this research is happening
-
North Jersey AIDS Alliance ,INC. (Njcri)
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gelpi-Acosta, Camila — North Jersey AIDS Alliance ,INC. (Njcri)
- Study coordinator: Gelpi-Acosta, Camila
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.