Improving opioid treatment and recovery for American Indian and Alaska Native populations
Official title: AASTEC-AAIHB N CREW Program
Funded at Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board · NIH-10977007 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to help American Indian and Alaska Native communities tackle the serious problem of opioid overdoses by improving access to prevention and treatment services that fit their cultural needs, and it involves collaborating with 27 tribes across several states to find the best solutions together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $497,000 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2DA061111-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977007 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include American Indian and Alaska Native individuals struggling with substance use or those affected by the opioid crisis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as American Indian or Alaska Native may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the high rates of opioid overdose deaths among American Indian and Alaska Native populations by enhancing access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. It aims to develop community-led research initiatives that are culturally centered and responsive to the unique challenges faced by these communities, such as provider shortages and mistrust of healthcare systems. The program will work with 27 tribes across New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, and Utah to build research capacity and improve data collection related to substance use and mental wellbeing. By engaging local communities, the project seeks to create tailored solutions that effectively address the opioid crisis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce opioid overdose deaths and improve overall health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in community-led approaches to substance use treatment among Indigenous populations, indicating a promising avenue for this initiative.
Where this research is happening
-
Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: English, Kevin Charles — Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board
- Study coordinator: English, Kevin Charles
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.