(MPIs: S. Springer – Yale, K. Knight – TCU, A. Nijhawan – UTSW & M. Staton – UKY)
NIH Grant #1R61DA060625
In the United States, justice-involved individuals face a disproportionately high risk of HIV infection, exacerbated by prevalent substance use disorders (SUDs) In the United States, justice-involved individuals face a disproportionately high risk of HIV infection, exacerbated by prevalent substance use disorders (SUDs) and limited access to comprehensive healthcare services. The U.S. Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative aims to reduce new HIV infections by 90% by 2030; however, it often overlooks the unique challenges encountered by this vulnerable population, particularly the integration of HIV prevention and treatment with SUD care.
STOP HIV is a 5-year project designed to address these critical gaps by combining patient navigation with flexible service delivery options. It empowers participants to choose their preferred method of care, be it traditional clinics, telehealth platforms, or mobile health units.
The study is structured in two phases:
- Phase 1: A pilot program in Connecticut will assess the intervention’s feasibility and acceptability, enrolling 30 participants to refine the approach.
- Phase 2: Building on insights from the pilot, the study will expand to Texas and Kentucky, recruiting 640 participants. This phase aims to compare outcomes between standard patient navigation and the enhanced, patient-centered model.
The STOP project is supported by a highly experienced team of Multiple PIs, investigators, and community partners. Together, they aim to develop innovative, scalable strategies that increase access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), antiretroviral therapy (ART), and SUD treatment, ultimately reducing HIV transmission and improving overall health outcomes for justice-involved individuals.