Improving health in the Blackfeet Nation through cultural connection and education
Official title: Blackfeet Community College Center for Culture as Medicine
Funded at Blackfeet Community College · NIH-10928195 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about improving the health of the Blackfeet Nation in Montana by connecting people to their culture and training local researchers to tackle health challenges in their community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Blackfeet Community College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Browning, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $533,007 |
| NIH project number | 5S06GM141660-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928195 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are members of the Blackfeet Nation and individuals living in the surrounding communities who are affected by health disparities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to the Blackfeet Nation or are not part of the local community may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to address severe health disparities faced by Native American communities in Montana, particularly the Blackfeet Nation, by establishing the Center for Culture as Medicine at Blackfeet Community College. The project focuses on enhancing mental and physical health by fostering a connection to Blackfeet culture and training local researchers. Through community engagement, education, and the development of research infrastructure, the initiative seeks to identify and mitigate health disparities affecting the Blackfeet people. The approach includes public education and the establishment of a state-of-the-art research laboratory to empower students and faculty in conducting impactful research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental and physical health outcomes for the Blackfeet Nation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in similar community-based approaches to health improvement among Native American populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Blackfeet Community College
Browning, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Matthews, Betty — Blackfeet Community College
- Study coordinator: Matthews, Betty
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.