Remote prevention and support for overdoses and infections in rural communities
Promoting remote and secondary risk prevention services in rural settings
This project adapts contactless, remote services—like naloxone distribution, testing, and support—to help people who use drugs in rural communities reduce overdoses and infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11364669 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of shaping and using contactless, remote prevention services in rural areas where methamphetamine, fentanyl, and opioid use are common. The team will work with local providers and community members to tailor how services such as naloxone distribution, HIV/hepatitis C testing, and remote counseling are delivered. They will gather information through surveys, interviews, and service tracking to learn what helps people engage with these services. The project will examine personal, social, and community factors that affect use of prevention resources.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people in rural U.S. communities who use injection drugs or are at risk for overdose, HIV, or hepatitis C and who can access remote or contactless services.
Not a fit: People who do not live in the participating rural areas, do not use drugs, or cannot use phone- or mail-based services may not benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make it easier for rural residents who use drugs to get life-saving supplies and support that lower overdose and infection risk.
How similar studies have performed: Programs that distribute naloxone and offer remote counseling have shown benefits in some settings, but tailored contactless approaches for rural polysubstance use are newer and less proven.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pho, Mai Tuyet — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Pho, Mai Tuyet
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.