Indigenous Strengths to Address Overdose, Addiction, and Pain
Official title: Indigenous Strengths as Solutions in a Public Health Crisis (Project ISH)
Funded at Northwest Indian College · NIH-11533801 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A community-led grant will explore Coast Salish strengths and local health resources to prevent overdose and improve pain management.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwest Indian College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bellingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,318 |
| NIH project number | 3OT2DA061143-01S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11533801 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People in Coast Salish communities who are at risk of substance use disorders, those in recovery, and individuals experiencing acute or chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Some individuals may not directly benefit if interventions are not a good fit for their circumstances or if data collection changes access to services.
What this research studies
This project partners with Coast Salish communities to identify local resources that support recovery and wellness from substance use disorders. It will collect and consolidate data to show how Tribal health services are helping people and to highlight culturally meaningful strengths. The team will develop culturally grounded interventions aimed at reducing risk for substance misuse and helping people stay on a healing path. The work is aligned with HEAL goals to speed up real-world solutions for overdose prevention and pain management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lead to culturally tailored programs and data-driven strategies that reduce overdose risk and improve pain care for Coast Salish communities.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work under HEAL has shown that community-informed approaches can improve engagement and outcomes in regards to overdose prevention and pain management.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwest Indian College
Bellingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alexander, Charene — Northwest Indian College
- Study coordinator: Alexander, Charene
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.