Training fishermen to respond to opioid overdoses
Official title: Fighting the Opioid Epidemic by Training Fishermen as First Responders
Funded at Fishing Partnership Health Plan · NIH-10771635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is teaching commercial fishermen how to help save lives during opioid overdoses at sea by giving them the training and tools they need, like naloxone, to act quickly in emergencies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fishing Partnership Health Plan NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Bedford, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $731,250 |
| NIH project number | 1T03OH012655-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10771635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are commercial fishermen and those working in maritime occupations who may encounter opioid overdoses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in the fishing industry or maritime occupations may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on training commercial fishermen to act as first responders to opioid overdoses, particularly at sea where they are often the first to encounter such incidents. The program will provide targeted education on opioid overdose prevention and naloxone distribution, delivered by experienced trainers from the fishing community. By utilizing a community-based approach, the training aims to empower fishermen with the knowledge and tools necessary to save lives and reduce opioid-related fatalities in maritime environments. The initiative builds on a successful pilot program in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and seeks to expand its reach throughout New England and the Mid Atlantic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce opioid overdose deaths among fishermen and improve overall safety in coastal communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot programs have shown success in training fishermen to respond to opioid overdoses, indicating a promising approach for broader implementation.
Where this research is happening
-
Fishing Partnership Health Plan
New Bedford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bartlett, John — Fishing Partnership Health Plan
- Study coordinator: Bartlett, John
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.