Eric Hall Awarded NIH Grant to Improve Public Health Data on Injection Drug Use
The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health is proud to announce that Eric Hall, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Epidemiology, has received a prestigious five-year R01 grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The project will bring together academic researchers and public health partners from 11 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) project areas, including Portland and the Oregon Health Authority, to improve understanding of the size and age distribution of populations of people who inject drugs (PWID) across major U.S. cities.
Improving Data to Support Public Health Decision-Making
People who inject drugs face increased risks of overdose, HIV, and hepatitis C infection, yet accurate population data remain limited. Hall’s research team will develop innovative methods to generate local and age-specific PWID population size estimates, helping public health agencies better understand community needs, monitor health outcomes, and evaluate prevention and intervention strategies. The project will also use advanced modeling methods to identify geographic areas where services may be needed most, and share findings through national public health data platforms.
Supporting Healthier Communities in Oregon and Beyond
The project represents an important opportunity to support the work of public health departments in Oregon and across the country. By providing estimates of key epidemiologic measures, the research will help policymakers, health departments, and community organizations make informed decisions about resource allocation, harm reduction services, and disease prevention efforts. The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health congratulates Hall and his collaborators on this significant achievement and the positive impact this work will have on advancing community health.
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