Teaching harm reduction to help people who use drugs in healthcare settings
Official title: Teaching harm reduction in vulnerable environments (THRIVE): a peer-led intervention bridging acute care settings and the discharge to the community
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10834851 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $2,230,743 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DA057633-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10834851 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use drugs and are currently experiencing acute medical problems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use drugs or are not facing acute medical issues may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Jacqueline Deanna — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Jacqueline Deanna
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.