SMART: a program to help people who use drugs in Atlanta stay on HIV prevention and treatment
Official title: SMART: strengthening motivation and adherence to HIV prevention and treatment among people who use drugs in Atlanta
Funded at Florida State University · NIH-11470972 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new program aims to help people who use drugs in Atlanta, especially those who are unhoused or unstably housed, stay connected to HIV prevention and treatment and related services.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $233,666 |
| NIH project number | 1R34DA067290-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11470972 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
PWUD in Atlanta who are unhoused or unstably housed and need support to access HIV prevention/treatment and related services.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who are not engaged in HIV care or who do not face barriers to access may experience limited added benefit from this specific intervention.
What this research studies
This project will test a combined approach that includes mindfulness training and small financial incentives to encourage engagement with HIV care, substance-use treatment, and hepatitis services. It plans to work with a community partner to adapt a low-barrier, real‑world intervention and pilot it with PWUD in Atlanta. The team will use practical feedback from participants to refine the program and measure whether people reduce barriers to care and stay adherent to treatment over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help more people who use drugs access and stay on HIV prevention and treatment, leading to better health outcomes and reduced transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that combined behavioral interventions and incentives can improve engagement in care in vulnerable populations, but results are context-specific and pilot data are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ibragimov, Umedjon — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Ibragimov, Umedjon
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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.