Building Indigenous-led healing and wellbeing in Tribal communities
Official title: Promoting Community Wellbeing Through Indigenous Science and Healing
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-11369462 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program helps American Indian and Alaska Native communities use Indigenous science and traditional healing to reduce harms from opioids, stimulants, and chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,270,790 |
| NIH project number | 3OT2DA061134-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369462 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, tribal members, and Native-serving organizations affected by opioids, stimulants, chronic pain, or related trauma who want to participate in community-led projects.
✕Less likely to help
People who are not part of American Indian or Alaska Native communities or Native-serving organizations are unlikely to be eligible or directly benefit from this program.
What this research studies
From my perspective as a community member, this effort funds Tribal and Native-serving organizations to lead health projects that reflect local priorities and culture. It supports training, local research capacity, and better community data so leaders can make informed decisions. The work centers Indigenous strengths and healing practices to address opioid and stimulant harms, chronic pain, and related trauma. Projects are community-driven rather than led by outside researchers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, communities could build lasting local programs that lower overdose and addiction harms, ease pain-related suffering, and strengthen cultural wellbeing.
How similar studies have gone: Culturally grounded, community-led interventions have helped some Indigenous communities with substance harms, though this coordinated capacity-building model is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdonell, Michael G — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Mcdonell, Michael G
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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.