PROJECT STAFF:	John R. Lewis, AIRCH Principal Investigator Warren Kontz, AIRCH Coordinator
PROJECT PERIOD:	September 1, 2004 to August 31, 2009
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:

Dr. Yvette Roubideaux of the University of Arizona oversees the AIRCH Student Training component in conjunction with the AIRCH Coordinator. The AIRCH Training component has held American Indian Health Policy classes at the University of Arizona that include discussions of AIRCH and the need to conduct culturally appropriate research within Tribal communities. Health research workshops and presentations are made periodically to encourage students to consider a career in health research. This component also staffs a health research office where students can obtain information on health research.

Dr. Jennie Joe of the University of Arizona is the Research Director of the ITCA AIRCH. She also oversees the Faculty development component of the AIRCH. This component provides training and mentoring opportunities for students, junior faculty and tribal health staff. Multiple workshops, seminars and presentations are made to increase the knowledge and skill level of participants.

ISSUES IDENTIFIED:

Tribes in Arizona face numerous health challenges concerning both physical and mental and behavioral 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's 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 December 2008. 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 either John R. Lewis, AIRCH Principal Investigator or Warren Kontz, AIRCH Coordinator at (602) 258-4822.