Using Turtle Island Tales to support family health in American Indian communities
Official title: Delivery of Turtle Island Tales to Promote Family Wellness
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11093934 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping American Indian families stay healthy by using a fun program called Turtle Island Tales, which teaches kids and their families how to eat better and stay active to prevent obesity and reduce cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $471,134 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA280812-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093934 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are American Indian families with children aged 0-11 years living in rural and frontier areas facing economic challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to American Indian communities or those living outside the targeted geographic areas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve health outcomes in American Indian communities by implementing a culturally relevant program called Turtle Island Tales, which focuses on preventing childhood obesity and reducing cancer risk. The project will engage families in home-based activities that promote healthy behaviors and nutrition. By collaborating with local Cooperative Extension Systems, the initiative seeks to reach approximately 4,000 children and their families living in areas of persistent poverty. The approach emphasizes community involvement to ensure the program is effective and sustainable.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to healthier lifestyles and reduced obesity and cancer risk among American Indian families.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in culturally tailored interventions for obesity prevention in similar communities, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tomayko, Emily J — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Tomayko, Emily 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.