Community-led research program to improve Navajo health in Utah
Official title: Development and Implementation of a Community-Led Research Program in the Utah Navajo Health System
Funded at Utah Navajo Health System, INC. · NIH-11539111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A community-driven project aims to better understand substance use disorders and how the Utah Navajo Health System can respond to them to improve care for Navajo people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah Navajo Health System, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Montezuma Creek, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $623,474 |
| NIH project number | 3OT2DA061144-01S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11539111 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Navajo Nation members served by the Utah Navajo Health System with substance use concerns or at risk for SUDs who engage with UNHS services.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not seeking care within the Utah Navajo Health System or not affected by SUDs may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project partners with the Utah Navajo Health System to examine the burden of substance use disorders in the Navajo community it serves. It will map how current healthcare services respond to SUDs and identify gaps in access, quality, and cultural appropriateness. The approach emphasizes community leadership and collaboration with Navajo Nation, clinics, and stakeholders to develop practical improvements for care delivery. Researchers will work with local teams to implement changes that fit within existing behavioral health services, including traditional and Western treatment options. The goal is to enhance healthcare access, quality, and wellness for Dine people through community-guided strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could improve access to culturally relevant SUD care and strengthen the healthcare system’s ability to meet Navajo community needs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous community-led health initiatives in tribal settings have shown improvements in service integration and patient satisfaction, supporting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah Navajo Health System, INC.
Montezuma Creek, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hendy, Rick — Utah Navajo Health System, INC.
- Study coordinator: Hendy, Rick
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.