Improving American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander health through community-driven research

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AI/AN NHPI) Enrichment Initiative was established in January 2024 to address differences in health outcomes in these communities resulting from social and structural determinants of health. The social determinants of health experienced by AI/AN NHPI communities influence both individual and community risks and protective factors that contribute to health outcomes. These disparities affect the prevention and management of chronic diseases and emerging public health threats in these populations. The goal of this initiative is to emphasize community-driven, scientifically rigorous, and intervention-based research that will foster healthy and resilient AI/AN NHPI communities.

AI/AN NHPI Enrichment Initiative Awardees

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

The research team at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa will work with the National Association of Pasifika Organizations and Papa Ola Lōkahi to implement a culturally adapted diabetes prevention intervention. Community health workers (CHWs) will deliver this culturally adapted intervention to address inequities in chronic health conditions like diabetes and diseases that affect the heart. The team will also develop a culturally and context-based training program for CHWs serving NHPI communities.

POPULATIONS: Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders

Johns Hopkins University

The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Center for Indigenous Health AI/AN NHPI Enrichment Initiative research team will culturally adapt and carry out a diabetes intervention called “Together Overcoming Diabetes.” The curriculum will address the underlying risk and protective factors of diabetes among American Indian populations in South Dakota.

POPULATION: Lakota

University of Alaska Fairbanks

The research team at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Center for Alaska Native Health Research will implement the culturally adapted Qungasvik Tools for Life intervention for youth and elders. This intervention aims to improve physical activity, social connectedness, and traditional Yup’ik food intake for communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region and reduce disparities in chronic conditions, including heart diseases.

POPULATION: Rural Alaska Native communities

Johns Hopkins University Long COVID Project

The JHU Center for Indigenous Health research team will develop a culturally grounded intervention to improve the mental and physical health of American Indian individuals suffering from Long COVID.

POPULATION: Navajo Nation

Program

American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders Enrichment Initiative