Major Research Studies

Chase: An Innovative County-Level Public Health Response To The Opioid Epidemic In New York State (Healing Communities Study)
Principal Investigators: Daniel J. Feaster, Nabila El-Bassel, Ed Nunes & Louisa Gilbert
Funding Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1 UM1DA049415
Project Period: 4/25/2019 – 4/30/2025 (NCE)

This is the NIH HEALing Communities StudySM. The total cost of this study across all sites is over $500 million making it one of the most expensive public health experiments focused on substance abuse. The major goal of this project is to test the effectiveness of an implementation strategy to address opioid overdose deaths in 66 counties/municipalities in OH, KY, NY and MA. This particular project funds the work in 16 counties in New York State. A major component that Dr. Feaster directs is the use of data-driven feedback to guide communities’ implementation of the intervention.

University Of Miami Center for HIV/AIDS Research and MENTAL HEALTH (ARC).
Principal Investigators: Steven Safren, Deborah Jones and Daniel Feaster, Co-Directors
Role in Project: Co-Director, Director Methods Core (1.2 calendar months)
Funding Source: National Institute of Mental Health, 1 P30 MH133399
Project Period: 4/01/2023 – 3/31/2028

The major goal of this project is to make this AIDS research center a national resource for HIV-related mental health disparities across the HIV prevention and care continua. A specific focus of the center is to encourage community-based participatory research in South Florida.

A Multi-Site Multi-Setting Rct Of Integrated HIV Prevention And Hcv Care For PWID
Principal Investigators: Daniel J. Feaster, Lisa Metsch & Julie Burneau
Funding Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1 RO1 DA045713
Project Period: 9/30/2017 – 7/31/2024 (NCE)

The major goal of this project is to evaluate two implementation strategies for PrEP and HCV care integration among PWID: on-site integrated care (PrEP initiation and HCV treatment) versus off-site referral with patient navigation to specialized care. HIV-negative PWID will be recruited from two venues—opioid substitution therapy (OST) venues and syringe exchange programs (SEPs)—within two North American cities—Miami and Montréal.

A Cluster Rct To Increase HIV Testing In Substance Use Treatment Programs
Principal Investigators: Daniel J. Feaster, Ph.D., Lisa R. Metsch, Ph.D., Jemima Frimpong, Ph.D.
Funding Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse R01 DA043130
Project Period: 9/1/2016-7/31/2024

The major goal of this project is to randomize 51 substance abuse treatment providers from across the US to one of three conditions to test increased routine HIV testing of their patients. The three conditions are 1) provision of the NIDA Blending product for on-site HIV testing; 2) a 6-month practice coaching intervention which will work with staff to create procedures, training, and systems to support HIV testing; and 3) A similar practice coaching intervention focused on HIV and HCV testing. Outcome is assessed as the increase in HIV testing after the intervention with secondary outcome of HCV testing.

Florida Node Alliance Of The National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network
Principal Investigator: Jose Szapocznik, Daniel Feaster & Lisa Metsch
Grant #: UG1-DA13720
Funding Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Project Period: 12/01/00-09/31/25

The Florida Node Alliance of the Clinical Trials Network runs substance use and HIV related clinical trials in community-based settings. The major goals of the protocols for which Dr. Feaster is currently Lead Investigator (CTN term for Principal Investigator) are: 1) CTN0094 Individual level predictive modeling of opioid use disorder treatment outcomes, 2) CTN0104 Healthcare provider stigma related to the opioid use epidemic and impact on patient treatment and clinical management, and 3) CTN0121 Integrated care and treatment for severe infectious diseases and substance use disorders among hospitalized patients.

The CROWN Study: Comprehensive Research on Oral and Mental Health among Women
Principal Investigators: Jones, Alcaide, Feaster & Parrish (MPIs)
Funding Source: National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research R01 DE032868
Project Period: 04/01/2023-3/31/2028

This study focuses on the impact of HIV, Mental Health and aging on dental health outcomes.

Culturally Focused HIV Advancements Through The Next Generation For Equity Training Program
Funding Source: National Institute on Mental Health, 1T32MH126772 Project Period: 04/01/2021-3/31/2026

This training program uses community-engagement through-out the training program. Trainees will work with community-based organizations to understand the needs of the minority populations which the serve and devise interventions and quality-improvement projects to implement as the pursue course work and other training activities. It includes both pre-doctoral and post-doctoral trainees.

Affiliated Studies

Estimating Mediation and Moderation Effects in HIV Care Continuum Intervention Trials for People who use Drugs
Principal Investigators: Pitipan (San Diego State University (Subcontract to Feaster)
Funding Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse R01 DA058311

Immune Dysfunction In HIV+ Opioid Users
Principal Investigators: Savita Pahwa
Funding Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1 UM1DA051202
Project Period: 4/15/2020 – 1/31/2025

The major goal of this trial is to measure and document differences in immune functioning after flu vaccination associated with HIV, Opioid Use and their interaction.

Monitoring Microaggressions and adversities to generate interventions for change (MMAGIC) for Black women living with HIV
Funding Source: National Institute on Mental Health, R01MH121194
Project Period: 4/01/2020 – 3/31/2025

The major goal of this cohort study is to uncover relationships between microagressions, macroaggressions, resilience, and HIV-outcomes. The trial will provide preliminary data for a future trial to improve outcomes.

Tele-Harm Reduction for Rapid Initiation of Antiretrovirals in People who inject drugs: A randomized controlled trial.
Principal Investigator: Hansel Tookes
Grant #: DP2-DA053720
Funding Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Project Period: 05/01/21-04/30/25

This project tests a low threshold, comprehensive treatment model for PWID living with HIV leveraging trusted SSPs to increase availability of antiretrovirals, medications for opioid use disorder, and HCV cure. The model incorporates telehealth visits.

In pursuit of a one-stop shop: a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation trial of comprehensive tele-harm reduction for people who inject drugs
Principal Investigator: Hansel Tookes & Tyler Bartholomew (MPIs)
Grant #: R01-DA058352
Funding Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Project Period: 06/01/23-03/31/28

This project rapidly adapts and tests Comprehensive-Tele-Harm Reduction (C-THR) for comprehensive HIV prevention services delivered via an SSP. The test of C-THR is a hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial (n=350) to evaluate the efficacy of the C-THR model vs. offsite referral and peer navigation for engagement in HIV prevention (i.e., PrEP or medications for OUD).