Improving maternal health for Indigenous mothers
Official title: Center for Indigenous Resilience, Culture, and Maternal Health Equity
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-10908628 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to improve the health and safety of Indigenous mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth by understanding the challenges they face and working together with their communities to create better care solutions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,453,504 |
| NIH project number | 5U54HD113173-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908628 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are Indigenous mothers who self-identify as American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Native American.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Indigenous or are not engaged in maternal health may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Indigenous mothers in the U.S. by exploring the structural, social, and biobehavioral factors contributing to these disparities. The Center for Indigenous Resilience, Culture, and Maternal Health Equity (CIRCLE) aims to implement innovative solutions through community partnerships and patient-centered outcomes research. By engaging with Indigenous communities, the project seeks to translate scientific findings into effective interventions for preconception, prenatal, and postpartum care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce maternal health disparities and improve outcomes for Indigenous mothers and their families.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in addressing health disparities through community-based interventions, indicating a promising approach for this initiative.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shreffler, Karina M. — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Shreffler, Karina M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Center for Indigenous Resilience, Culture, and Maternal Health for Indigenous Mothers
A national study helps Indigenous mothers in Oklahoma and the Southern Plains by partnering with communities to improve preconception, prenatal, and postpartum care to reduce maternal mortality and illness.
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Indigenous Resilience and Maternal Health Equity Center
Community-led programs to help American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native American mothers have safer pregnancies and healthier babies.
-
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A wearable device from PyrAmes uses comfortable, non-invasive sensors and smart software to constantly monitor a pregnant person’s blood pressure and heart health so doctors can protect both mom and baby.
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Understanding how neurons resist and recover from toxic chemicals
Researchers are studying how brain cells fight back against harmful chemicals to help people survive exposure.
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.