Teaching harm reduction to help people who use drugs in healthcare settings

Teaching harm reduction in vulnerable environments (THRIVE): a peer-led intervention bridging acute care settings and the discharge to the community

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10834851

This study is testing a friendly program called THRIVE that helps people who use drugs and have medical issues by teaching them safer injection practices, giving out naloxone to prevent overdoses, and providing fentanyl test strips, all in a supportive environment over 12 weeks.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10834851 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to integrate harm reduction services into acute care settings for people who use drugs (PWUD) facing medical issues. By developing a peer-led intervention called THRIVE, the project seeks to provide education on safer injection practices, distribute naloxone, and offer fentanyl test strips over a 12-week program. The intervention is designed to be acceptable and effective, focusing on changing behaviors and reducing health risks among participants. The approach is informed by both lived experiences and established behavioral change models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use drugs and are currently experiencing acute medical problems.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use drugs or are not facing acute medical issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce overdose rates and improve health outcomes for individuals who use drugs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in integrating harm reduction strategies into healthcare settings, suggesting potential for success with this approach.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.