Using telehealth in syringe service programs to help people who inject drugs access HIV care
Official title: Comprehensive Telehealth at Syringe Service Programs to Engage People Who Inject Drugs into the HIV Care Continuum
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11002551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how adding telehealth services to syringe service programs can make it easier for people who inject drugs to get the HIV prevention and treatment they need, helping to break down barriers like stigma and complicated healthcare processes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $239,148 |
| NIH project number | 1R34DA061621-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who inject drugs and are at risk for or living with HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not inject drugs or those who are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance access to HIV prevention and treatment for people who inject drugs (PWID) by integrating telehealth services within syringe service programs (SSPs). The approach addresses barriers such as fragmented healthcare delivery, complex administrative processes, and stigma that often prevent PWID from receiving necessary care. By co-locating telehealth services at SSPs, the project seeks to improve the uptake and retention of evidence-based interventions like PrEP and medication for opioid use disorder. This innovative model leverages the existing trust and follow-up capabilities of SSPs to provide a more accessible and supportive healthcare environment for PWID.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the health outcomes of people who inject drugs by facilitating their access to HIV prevention and treatment services.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that integrating telehealth into existing healthcare frameworks can improve access and retention in care for marginalized populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, M Kumi — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Smith, M Kumi
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.