About Us
Long-Term Goal
To enhance post-secondary academic success by reducing alcohol and drug abuse related problems among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AIAN) in Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU).
Specific Aims
- Establish multiple partnerships among TCUs, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), Northwest Indian College (NWIC) and the Indigenous Wellness Research Institute (IWRI).
- Develop and conduct a needs and capacity assessment web survey on alcohol/drug/mental health-related problems and solutions with students, faculty/staff and administrators at each TCU.
- Work with key stakeholders to identify core elements of a comprehensive alcohol and drug abuse intervention.
Rationale
- This is the first comprehensive alcohol or drug needs assessment that will be done at across the 36 TCUs.
- Studies conducted among other college populations may not be relevant to the unique characteristics and social, economic, and historical contexts of TCU.
- This is a first step toward developing culturally appropriate and sustainable interventions at TCUs.
Benefits to TCUs
- Individualized surveys and reports to participating TCUs.
- Evaluation of needs and capacity for indigenous and Western approaches to AIAN college alcohol and drug abuse problems.
- Empower AIAN student scholars with CBPR and health research experience to further career development.
- Learn about current Tribal College "Best Practices" regarding student alcohol and drug abuse services and prevention efforts.
