Exploring how land quality and water affect health equity
Official title: Understanding the role of bedrock, settlement patterns, and water quality in human health equity
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-10888796 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the quality of land and water in Oklahoma, shaped by the area's rocks and past communities, affects people's health, and it invites participants to share their experiences with water quality and health to help us learn more about these connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $440,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES035448-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888796 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include residents of Oklahoma, particularly those living in areas with known environmental health issues related to water quality.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in regions outside of Oklahoma or those not affected by environmental health disparities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the quality of land and water, influenced by bedrock properties and historical settlement patterns, affects health disparities among populations in Oklahoma. By using a combination of geochemical analysis and public health surveys, the project aims to uncover the links between environmental factors and health outcomes. Participants may be involved in surveys that assess their water quality and health conditions, contributing to a better understanding of how these elements interact. The study seeks to develop innovative methods for collecting and analyzing data related to health and environmental quality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for marginalized communities by addressing environmental factors that contribute to health inequities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental factors significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this interdisciplinary approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mueller, Joel Thomas — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mueller, Joel Thomas
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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.