Efforts to improve wellness and prevent drug overdoses in the Yakama Nation
Official title: Yakama Nation: Native Collective Research Effort to Enhance Wellness Program
Funded at Yakama Tribal Council D/b/a Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation · NIH-10973944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working with the Yakama Nation to find better ways to support mental health and prevent drug overdoses, especially from opioids, by using community-driven solutions that respect their cultural values.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yakama Tribal Council D/b/a Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toppenish, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $522,924 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2DA060972-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include residents of the Yakama Nation who are affected by or at risk for drug overdose and mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the Yakama Nation or those not impacted by substance use disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the alarming increase in drug overdoses, particularly involving opioids, within the Yakama Nation community. By partnering with the National Institutes of Health, the Yakama Nation aims to enhance mental wellness and prevent drug-related deaths through culturally relevant interventions. The project will develop a robust research infrastructure to collect and analyze data on suicide and overdose risks, enabling timely community responses and decision-making. Community members will be actively involved in promoting wellness initiatives based on their cultural values.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce drug overdose deaths and improve mental health outcomes for the Yakama Nation community.
How similar studies have gone: Similar community-based interventions have shown promise in reducing substance abuse and improving mental health outcomes in other Indigenous populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Yakama Tribal Council D/b/a Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Toppenish, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saluskin, Katherine R — Yakama Tribal Council D/b/a Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
- Study coordinator: Saluskin, Katherine R
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.