Fostering Community Connections to Strengthen Youth Resilience and Well-Being
Official title: Fostering Community Connections to Strengthen Youth Resilience, Health, and Well-Being
Funded at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Ctr · NIH-11578589 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Hawaii-based effort helps teens and young adults get mental health and preventive care more easily by building local networks and smart referral pathways.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waianae, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | September 24, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $500,000 |
| NIH project number | 3OT2OD035880-01S3 |
| Project ID | NIH-11578589 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Youth and young adults in Hawaii who are connected to schools, community organizations, and Federally Qualified Health Center services.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience immediate changes in care access or health outcomes.
What this research studies
This project tests a positive youth development support system led by a Hawaii Federally Qualified Health Center, in partnership with schools and community organizations. It uses regional networks and data-driven referrals to connect youths with the right health resources. The study will look at how these new pathways affect health status, health-promoting behaviors, and access to mental health treatment. Results will be shared with local communities to inform future practice. The goal is to improve overall health outcomes for youth in Hawaii over the grant period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could make it easier for young people to access timely mental health and preventive care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that coordinated community referrals can improve care access, but this project tests a region-wide, data-driven approach in Hawaii.
Where this research is happening
-
Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Ctr
Waianae, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Okihiro, May Michiko — Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Ctr
- Study coordinator: Okihiro, May Michiko
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Pediatricians Building Resilience for Toddler Well-Being
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-
A workplace resilience program to support child care providers’ mental health
A fully remote, randomized trial will test a web-based Stress Management and Resilience Training (SMART) program to improve mental health and well-being for child care providers.
-
Strengthening Native Hawaiian community ties to support youth resilience and health
Local health centers, schools, and community groups are using Native Hawaiian cultural practices to help young people build resilience, get mental health support, and stay healthy during and after the COVID-19 era.
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Aiming to understand how family, finances, and beliefs affect health, happiness, and thinking in US adults in midlife and how these patterns differ across race, gender, and education.
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Improving Mental Health and Well-Being for Child Care Providers
This project is testing a web-based program to help child care providers manage stress and improve their mental health.
-
Using Native Hawaiian cultural values to improve youth health and resilience
This study is all about helping Native Hawaiian youth feel better and thrive by blending their cultural values with modern healthcare, creating a supportive community that tackles mental health challenges and promotes resilience.
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.