Our Healing Journey: A Native Community Approach to the Opioid Epidemic
Official title: Our Healing Journey: A Cultural and Traditional Response to the Opioid Epidemic
Funded at Eastern Shoshone Tribe · NIH-11533807 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Native community facility plans to strengthen its research and healing programs using cultural teachings to help AI/AN adults address opioid and substance misuse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Eastern Shoshone Tribe NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Washakie, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $199,505 |
| NIH project number | 3OT2DA061082-01S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11533807 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
AI/AN adults 21+ living in or served by the Eastern Shoshone Tribe or similar communities.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not connected to AI/AN communities or not seeking help with substance misuse may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project partners with the Eastern Shoshone Tribe to build local research capacity and apply culturally grounded approaches, like the Medicine Wheel, to the opioid epidemic. It focuses on adults 21 and older in Alaska Native communities and similar populations, integrating traditional wisdom with evidence-based strategies. The goal is to develop sustainable, respectful interventions that align with community values and improve health outcomes related to opioid misuse and related harms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially better culturally aligned care and community-supported strategies to reduce opioid-related harm.
How similar studies have gone: Previous community-driven, culturally centered approaches have shown promise in reducing harm and improving engagement in AI/AN populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Eastern Shoshone Tribe
Fort Washakie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Webb, Kellie — Eastern Shoshone Tribe
- Study coordinator: Webb, Kellie
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.