Improving wellness in Native American communities by addressing substance use and mental health issues

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System: HEAL Initiative: Native Collective Research Effort to Enhance Wellness (N CREW) Program- Addressing Overdose, Substance Use, Mental Health, and Pain (OT2)

NIH-funded research Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma · NIH-10977164

This study is working to improve the health and well-being of Native Americans, especially focusing on issues like substance use and mental health, by creating a care model that fits the needs of the Absentee Shawnee Tribal community, with help from community members to make sure it truly reflects their needs.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAbsentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Shawnee, United States)
Project IDNIH-10977164 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the health and wellness of Native Americans by focusing on critical issues such as overdose, substance use, pain, and mental health. It will establish a Clinical Research Unit that employs a systems thinking approach to develop a culturally relevant care model tailored for the Absentee Shawnee Tribal community. By analyzing various factors affecting behavioral health, the project seeks to improve care coordination and identify key intervention points to enhance community health initiatives. Community representatives will play a vital role in defining the relationships and interests within the health system, ensuring that the solutions are grounded in the community's needs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include Native Americans, particularly those from the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, who are experiencing challenges related to substance use, mental health, or pain management.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Native American or are not part of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and better management of substance use and mental health issues for Native American populations.

How similar studies have performed: Similar research initiatives have shown promise in improving health outcomes in indigenous populations, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Shawnee, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.