Understanding trauma and its effects on the Yurok Tribe
Official title: Characterizing Trauma and its Impact in the Yurok Tribe
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11065940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how trauma affects the Yurok Tribe, especially in relation to PTSD and issues like violence and substance abuse, and it aims to gather stories from community members to help adapt a special therapy for local counselors to better support healing in their community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 16, 2025 |
| Project end | May 15, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,538 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NR021614-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include Yurok tribal members who have experienced trauma or are affected by its consequences.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not members of the Yurok Tribe or who do not have a history of trauma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of trauma on the Yurok Tribe, focusing on the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its connection to health disparities such as violence and substance abuse. The study aims to gather community data on trauma experiences and harmful behaviors through qualitative interviews with tribal members. Additionally, it seeks to adapt a trauma therapy called Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) for use by Yurok lay counselors, enhancing access to mental health support in their community.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve mental health outcomes and reduce health disparities for the Yurok Tribe by providing culturally relevant trauma therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using community-driven trauma therapies like NET in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lenon, Pia Pauline — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Lenon, Pia Pauline
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
MSC Secretome Eye Drops to Speed Healing of Corneal Wounds
A new eye drop made from stem cell–secreted factors is being tested to help adults with non-healing corneal wounds recover vision faster.
-
UIC Center for Healthy Work
A national program led by UIC aims to improve the health and well-being of workers through collaborative research and practical solutions.
-
Coordinated Oral Health Promotion for Chicago Kids
A long-running study in Chicago is following children and their caregivers to find ways to reduce tooth decay and improve daily life for families.
-
Targeting p38 MAPK to slow ALS-related axonal damage
Aims to block a specific brain-wide signaling pathway (p38 MAPK) to reduce nerve damage in people with various genetic forms of ALS.
-
Precision nanomedicine to calm inflammation and protect bone in gum disease
A new, targeted nanomedicine approach aims to reduce gum inflammation and prevent bone loss in adults with periodontal disease.
-
Role of DPP in Dental Pulp Stem Cells and their Regenerative Potential
A project explores how a natural tooth protein helps dental pulp stem cells repair and regenerate the tooth’s inner tissue.
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.