Training police to reduce HIV risk among drug users in Kentucky
Official title: Project SHIELD: Police Education to Support Public Health in Kentucky
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11297029 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new training program for healthcare workers who help people with opioid use disorder, teaching them how to work with police to connect drug users to health services instead of arresting them, all to help reduce the risk of HIV and improve health in the community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,182,981 |
| NIH project number | 4R33DA060622-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11297029 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals in Appalachia who use drugs and are at risk for HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use drugs or are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the skills of the behavioral health workforce, particularly those involved in medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), by equipping them to deliver a police education program designed to lower HIV risk among people who use drugs (PWUD). The program, known as SHIELD, focuses on shifting policing practices from arresting drug users to referring them to essential health services, thereby reducing the risks associated with drug use, such as HIV and overdose. By implementing this program in Appalachia, the study seeks to evaluate its effectiveness and scalability in improving public health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce HIV transmission rates and improve health outcomes for individuals who use drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous implementations of similar police education programs have shown promise in reducing drug-related harm and improving health outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cepeda, Javier — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Cepeda, Javier
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.