PROJECT STAFF:	John R. Lewis, AIRCH Principal Investigator Vacant, AIRCH Coordinator/Policy Analyst Vacant, AIRCH Training Coordinator
PROJECT PERIOD:	September 01, 2003 to August 31, 2004
FUNDING SOURCES:	Indian Health Service

PURPOSE:

To encourage practical research to improve American Indian peoples' health status, increase the number of American Indian scientists and health professionals engaged in research, educate non-Indians about the need for culturally appropriate health research within American Indian communities and research institutions, and to ensure Tribe's status as stakeholders in the processes of conducting research on their reservations and dissemination of the data generated.

DESCRIPTION:

The Hualapai and Pasqua Yaqui Tribes are currently engaged in AIRCH research projects. Dr. Kristen Olson-Garewal, of the University of Arizona, and Dr. Maria Garcia, of the Pasqua Yaqui Health Center, work collaboratively to conduct research on the use of alternative medicine to maintain diabetes within the Pasqua Yaqui community. This research includes examination of the use of traditional healing practices in the treatment of diabetes. Dr. Nicolette Teufel-Shone, of the University of Arizona, and Ms. Sandra Irwin, Hualapai Health Director, partner in the implementation of a school wellness program, designed to reduce childhood obesity and increase physical activity within the Hualapai community. Additionally, the Hualapai and Pascua Yaqui Tribes received additional funds to collaborate on a new research project that examines physical activity levels among adolescent girls in their respective communities.

Dr. Yvette Roubideaux of the University of Arizona is the AIRCH Training Director and directs the AIRCH Training Program in conjunction with the AIRCH Training Coordinator. The AIRCH Training Program recently held an American Indian Health Policy class at the University of Arizona that included discussions of AIRCH and the need to conduct culturally appropriate research within Tribal communities. A Research Careers Workshop for American Indian students from the three state universities was held in August of 2003 in conjunction with the Association of American Indian Physicians Annual Conference. AIRCH students had the opportunity to participate in the National Institues of Health Research Poster Session at the conference. Finally, the AIRCH Training Program will work with the ITCA Epi Center to offer additional epidemiology training course to Tribal health staff.

ITCA, in conjunction with Dr. Jennie Joe of the University of Arizona, provides administrative support to the research and training projects. ITCA also ensures that these projects receive Tribal input and feedback, to best tailor AIRCH efforts to the needs of the Tribes in Arizona. ITCA held their first meeting of the AIRCH Community and Scientific Advisory Council (CSAC) on October 23, 2003, which includes participation of several Tribal leaders, health directors, and program directors. The Council provides oversight and direction for AIRCH by setting policies and procedures for research conducted under this program.

ISSUES IDENTIFIED:

Tribes in Arizona face numerous health challenges concerning both physical and mental health issues. ITCA will continue to address these needs by enhancing the breadth and scope of health research resources available under AIRCH. This includes networking with American Indian researchers who may be able to provide their services to Tribes in Arizona as well as providing Tribes in Arizona with information, training, and other resources to identify their health research needs, apply for additional research grants, and conduct their own research on how best to address the health needs of their communities. ITCA will also continue to assist in building partnerships between Tribes in Arizona and health researchers.

Despite the significant contributions Tribes in Arizona have made to the Arizona state university system, American Indian student retention and matriculation rates are below average. The AIRCH training efforts will continue to provide support to American Indian students interested in research to lower student drop out rates and increase the number of American Indian researchers.

WORK PLANNED:

• The new NARCH grant application will be available in February 2004. Program staff will be working with the University to apply for the new funds. The AIRCH Coordinator will be seeking to identify tribes interested in conducting their own research under the new AIRCH grant.
• Program staff will ensure Tribal ownership and control over their research data.
• Program staff will ensure Tribal participation in the publication and dissemination of the research generated.
• Program staff will continue to provide outreach and information to Tribal health staff regarding health research opportunities and the AIRCH program.
• Program staff will ensure Tribal participation in formulation of the direction and objectives of the Research Center.
• Program staff will continue to build on the existing partnership with the University of Arizona to maintain critical training and research expertise on the AIRCH project.
• Program staff will develop other sources of research expertise to provide Tribes in Arizona with the variety of knowledge and skills necessary to address the health research needs of American Indian communities in Arizona.
• Program staff will provide updates to Tribal leadership on the progress of the AIRCH.

If you would like to be added to the AIRCH listserv, want more information on AIRCH, or require any additional information on available trainings, please contact John R. Lewis, AIRCH Principal Investigator at (602) 258-4822.