Creating a community-led program to improve health in the Utah Navajo community
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-10978127 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to better support the Dine people in the Navajo Nation who are dealing with substance use issues, by improving healthcare access and services in a way that involves the community and respects their traditions.
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 | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $681,090 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2DA061144-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978127 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from the Navajo Nation, particularly those affected by substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the Navajo Nation or those not experiencing substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the high rates of substance use disorders within the Navajo Nation, particularly among the Dine people. It aims to characterize the burden of these disorders and assess how well healthcare systems respond to the needs of the community. The Utah Navajo Health System will implement a community-led approach to enhance healthcare access and quality, utilizing a variety of services including behavioral health care, traditional practices, and telepsychiatry. By engaging the community in the research process, the program seeks to improve overall wellness and health outcomes for the Dine population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare access and reduced substance use disorders among the Navajo community.
How similar studies have gone: Previous community-led health initiatives have shown success in improving health outcomes in similar populations, indicating potential 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.