Exploring Indigenous wellness models for Native American youth
PERSON-CENTERED RESEARCH ON CULTURE AS HEALTH (PERCH) An Indigenous Model of Wellness
This study is working to help Native American teens aged 13-17 in the Bemidji area who are dealing with substance use and mental health challenges by creating a supportive living space that combines traditional wellness practices with modern care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lac Du Flambeau, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10978178 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the opioid crisis among Native American youth in the Bemidji area by developing a culturally informed model of wellness. It aims to establish a residential facility for adolescents aged 13-17 struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. The project emphasizes a person-centered approach that integrates traditional Tribal wellness practices, aiming to empower the community and improve health outcomes. The research will also involve building local research capacity and establishing an Institutional Review Board to ensure ethical oversight.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are Native American youth aged 13-17 who are struggling with substance use disorders or related mental health issues.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 13-17 or those not identifying as Native American may not receive benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce opioid-related deaths and improve overall mental health among Native American youth.
How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches integrating cultural practices into health interventions have shown promise in improving outcomes for Indigenous populations, suggesting potential success for this initiative.
Where this research is happening
Lac Du Flambeau, United States
- Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, INC. — Lac Du Flambeau, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lenz, Kade — Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, INC.
- Study coordinator: Lenz, Kade
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 below.