Supporting tribal healing efforts for substance use and mental health issues
Official title: GATHER: Growing a Tribal Healing Effort through Research
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10975515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to help American Indian and Alaska Native communities by using their cultural strengths to tackle issues like substance use and mental health, with the goal of improving health and preventing overdoses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,666,052 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2DA061063-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are American Indian and Alaska Native individuals facing substance use or mental health challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as American Indian or Alaska Native may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to address the high rates of substance use disorders and related mortality among American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations by leveraging their cultural strengths and community connectedness. The project will involve collaboration between the University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University to develop a comprehensive approach that includes documentation, monitoring of tribal research grants, and building trust with tribal communities. By focusing on culturally grounded methods, the research seeks to enhance health equity and improve outcomes in areas such as overdose prevention, substance use, mental health, and pain management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced substance use disorders in AIAN communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in culturally tailored interventions for AIAN populations, indicating potential for positive outcomes with this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parker, Myra Elizabeth — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Parker, Myra Elizabeth
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.