A Lakota-centered mentoring program to help reduce alcohol-related problems and improve overall well-being.
Official title: Pilot evaluation of a Lakota-centered lifespan mentoring program to reduce alcohol related problems and promote holistic wellbeing
Funded at University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-10932239 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special mentoring program for American Indians that helps people build their cultural identity and healthy habits to reduce alcohol-related problems in their community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lincoln, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,881 |
| NIH project number | 5R34AA031347-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932239 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are American Indian individuals aged 21 and older who are experiencing alcohol-related problems or seeking to improve their holistic well-being.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as American Indian or who are not experiencing alcohol-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research evaluates a culturally centered mentoring program designed specifically for American Indians to address high rates of alcohol-related problems. The program, developed by a Lakota-led nonprofit, focuses on fostering cultural identity, social connections, and healthy coping skills through peer support and cultural immersion. Participants will engage in activities that promote holistic well-being, addressing mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. The approach aims to tackle the root causes of alcohol-related issues within the community, rather than just the symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant reductions in alcohol-related problems and improvements in the overall well-being of American Indian communities.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research on culturally centered programs specifically for American Indians, similar approaches have shown promise in other communities, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gardella, Joseph Hiroyuki — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Gardella, Joseph Hiroyuki
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.