Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health (R21 Clinical Trials Optional)

This grant opportunity is focused on supporting research aimed at improving the health of Native American populations. The funding aims to provide resources for developmental and exploratory studies that will contribute to health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and treatment services within Native American communities. The grant welcomes different types of research projects, including etiological research that addresses gaps in knowledge and informs the development or adaptation of interventions. Additionally, the grant supports research projects to develop and test new or adapted interventions for feasibility, acceptability, and scalability. Research focused on testing the short-term efficacy of interventions is also encouraged. The grant also seeks projects that aim to overcome barriers to the implementation, integration, scale-up, and sustainability of effective interventions, particularly in cases where there is already a significant body of knowledge on intervention efficacy.

Studies have shown that significant healthcare disparities exist within Native American populations, both in terms of acute and chronic diseases. Furthermore, Native American populations face unique sociopolitical, historical, and environmental stressors and risks that may worsen health conditions and affect the effectiveness of existing solutions. However, it is important to note that Native American populations also possess unique strengths and resiliencies that can help mitigate these stressors and inform effective intervention strategies. This funding opportunity seeks culturally informed exploratory and developmental research that builds upon community knowledge, resources, and resilience. The goal of this research is to provide foundational knowledge for future science-based and culturally appropriate solutions to reduce morbidity and mortality. This can be achieved through the identification and remediation of precursors to diseases and disorders, as well as through culturally informed treatment approaches.

In terms of eligibility, Native Americans include Alaska Natives, American Indians (whose ancestral lands are at least partially within the U.S. mainland border), and Native Hawaiians. The term Native Hawaiian refers to individuals who have ancestors that were natives of the area prior to 1778.

Overall, this grant opportunity aims to support research projects that contribute to improving the health of Native American populations by addressing health disparities, utilizing cultural knowledge and resources, and developing effective interventions that are appropriate for these communities.