Supporting Native American communities in health research and wellness.
Official title: Partnering to Achieve Wellness for Native Americans through Indigenous Knowledge (PAWNIK)
Funded at Rand Corporation · NIH-10975848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping Native American communities learn how to do their own health research on addiction and wellness, using both traditional knowledge and modern science, so they can better understand and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rand Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Monica, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,366,865 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2DA061064-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include Native American individuals and communities, particularly those involved with Tribes or Native American Serving Organizations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of Native American communities or those outside the age range of 21+ may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This project aims to empower Tribes and Native American Serving Organizations (T/NASOs) by providing them with the necessary tools, training, and resources to conduct NIH-funded research on health topics related to addiction and wellness. The collaboration between the Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center and RAND Corporation focuses on integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Western scientific methods to ensure culturally relevant and community-responsive research. Participants will receive support in identifying research topics, developing methodologies, and disseminating findings, with both remote and in-person training opportunities available.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the capacity of Native American communities to address health issues and improve overall wellness through culturally informed approaches.
How similar studies have gone: Previous collaborations between Indigenous organizations and research institutions have shown success in addressing health disparities and improving community health outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Rand Corporation
Santa Monica, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: D'amico, Elizabeth J. — Rand Corporation
- Study coordinator: D'amico, Elizabeth 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.