State Funded Projects

The goal of the project is to identify gaps in comprehensive drug-free workplace programs in worksites in Tennessee, with a focus on barriers and facilitators to implementing these programs. The project will integrate qualitative (i.e., interviews) and quantitative (i.e., survey) methods, apply theory, and target the perspectives of worksite stakeholders. The resulting preliminary data will be critical in pursuing external funding to test strategies to increase the implementation of comprehensive drug-free workplace programs.

The ETSU Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment proposes a qualitative study that utilizes behavioral theory and community-based methods to build a model of fentanyl-related overdose determinants, which will be used in subsequent studies to develop a culturally relevant, intervention to reduce fentanyl-related overdose rates in the region. 

The aims of this study are: 

Aim #1: Use of group model building to qualitatively examine factors influencing fentanyl-related overdose risk in Central Appalachian heroin user communities.

Aim #2: Validation and refinement of model through one-on-one interviews with recovering heroin users in Central Appalachia.

We anticipate the results of this study will be integral to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction efforts to reduce the rising burden of fentanyl-related mortality in the region.