Harm Reduction in Research
I spent my summer doing substance-use research in Columbus, Ohio, with the NIDA Summer Research Internship Program, a program that offers research opportunities for undergraduates. To apply, I submitted an application that included three short answer questions and two letters of recommendation. There were over 100 different research sites to choose from. I chose to go to a conservative state in the mid-west. I did so because the research topic called to me.
The investigation to which I was assigned was called, “Evaluating the impact of fentanyl test strip use among rural and urban populations” (PI Michaels, N., Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 5R01DA052580). This research seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of fentanyl tests strips in preventing overdoses in rural and urban counties in Ohio. Here is an overview of the protocol:
To enroll in the study, participants complete a pre-screening check list and answer yes to the following questions: Can you complete study activities in English? Are you 18 years or older? Have you purchased or used illicit drugs in the past 6-months? Do you have a reliable phone or email address?
Participants then go through an informed consent process, fill out a Locater Form with contact details and complete a survey evaluating their knowledge about fentanyl tests strips and other related questions.
If the participant is randomized to the intervention study arm, they watch a 5-minute video instructing them how to use fentanyl test strips and are given 10 fentanyl tests strips.
The study has 2-year longitudinal design: Participants are asked to fill out surveys biweekly about drug use and share if they test their drugs with fentanyl test strips. Participants can request additional fentanyl test strips every two weeks.
Recruitment for this study is done at Project DAWN locations across Ohio. These are sites that distribute Narcan and fentanyl tests strips. The sites vary, I went to different health departments, a bus stop, a recovery event, a drop-in center, a community kitchen, and a church. At these recruitment sites, I was able to talk to people and enroll participants in the study. One participant told me he is called the “Narcan King” by acquaintances and friends. After enrolling in the study, another participant gleefully proclaiming “Now I can test my cocaine with these test strips.” I wanted to include this quote because I believe in people’s autonomy to use drugs if they choose to.
I also recalled conversations with participants who mentioned losing friends or families to an overdose. Having these conversations further fuels my passion and love for this research. This project is special because it is both research and harm reduction simultaneously.
This research experience in Columbus has strengthened my values around why harm reduction is so important and forever changed me as an individual. I was able to reflect on biases I have about people who use drugs. Additionally, I learned more about how to conduct research in an ethical manner when working with people who use drugs. The most substantial takeaway from my experience came from an informational interview I conducted with Nicole Michaels, the Principal Investigator of the research team. She told me, “There is not just one way to do this work,” meaning there is not just one way to do research. She also told me “To think about what I bring uniquely to this field.” I have been left reflecting on that I believe as a Black, trans, autistic, immigrant person I bring a unique perspective and levels of creativity to the research field.