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Pilot Evaluation of a Lakota-centered Lifespan Mentoring Program to Reduce Alcohol-Related Problems and Promote Holistic Healing
Research Team
Principal Investigator: Joseph Gardella
Co-Principal Investigators: Melissa Zephier Olson, Katie M. Edwards
Funding Information
Funding Agency: National Institutes of Health—National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Award Date: Aug 1, 2023
End Date: Jul 31, 2027
Abstract
Although research documents the concerning rates of hazardous alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences among Indigenous populations (including the Lakota people in present day South Dakota), little is known about how to prevent these deleterious issues that devastate Indigenous communities.
This project aims to document and pilot evaluate a culturally grounded mentoring program for Lakota older adolescents and adults that seeks to prevent hazardous alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences, and promote holistic well-being via enhancing connection to Lakota culture, social connection, and healthy coping and life skills.
The study will be led by an interdisciplinary team of Lakota stakeholders — traditional knowledge keepers, elders and Lakota health professionals — and highly accomplished action-oriented researchers.