Improving maternal health in American Indian rural communities
Official title: Maternal American-Indian Rural Community Health (MARCH)
Funded at Avera Mckennan · NIH-10908741 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The M.A.R.C.H. initiative is working to improve the health of mothers in American Indian and rural communities by teaming up with local tribes and community members to find out what causes serious health issues during pregnancy and childbirth, and how to make care more accessible and culturally sensitive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Avera Mckennan NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sioux Falls, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,459,934 |
| NIH project number | 5U54HD113179-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908741 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include pregnant individuals or those planning to become pregnant within American Indian and rural communities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of American Indian and rural populations may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
The M.A.R.C.H. initiative focuses on enhancing maternal health among American Indian and rural populations by fostering collaboration between researchers, tribal nations, and community stakeholders. It aims to identify and address the key factors contributing to maternal mortality and severe morbidity through innovative projects and community engagement. The program emphasizes improving access to care and understanding the barriers faced by these communities, while also providing training in cultural competency and health research literacy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates in American Indian and rural populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in community-based approaches to improving maternal health outcomes in underserved populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Avera Mckennan
Sioux Falls, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elliott, Amy J — Avera Mckennan
- Study coordinator: Elliott, Amy J
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.