Congratulations to Dr. Andrea López, who was awarded a grant from BSOS's Dean's Research Initiative for her project titled "Harm Reduction Vending Machines: A novel implementation science evaluation to address opioid overdose conducted in collaboration with HIPS, D.C." Dr. López' project is in collaboration with Dr. Greg Midgette, Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology. López and Midgette will partner with DC Health’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration (HAHSTA), and the grassroots harm reduction organization HIPS to implement "Harm Reduction Vending Machines (HRVM)" in the DC area, and assess their harm reduction effects. HRVM's provide ready access to hygiene and overdose prevention kits, personal protective equipment, confidential syringe disposal, and access to referrals for substance use and mental health services, among other local needs. This pilot program will be one of three programs nationwide that use similar innovative methods to address the ever-evolving overdose crisis.