# Adaptation and implementation of a Cherokee-based participatory research project to reduce CVD risk

> **NIH NIH K01** · UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA · 2021 · $133,686

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
American Indians (AI) have the largest prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the nation with double the
prevalence compared to non-AIs. Programs developed and implemented in the general population to prevent
CVD may not be appropriate or effective for AI populations due to unique environmental barriers and cultural
differences. The PI, a member of the Cherokee nation, proposes a career development plan and research to
facilitate her development into a leader in interventions to prevent CVD and other negative health outcomes
among American Indians. The first specific aim is to adapt an existing Cherokee program to maximize reach to
more Cherokee Nation citizens and address primary prevention of CVD in Cherokee Nation (CN) adults. The
second aim is to conduct a pilot study to demonstrate acceptability and feasibility of the adapted intervention.
The third aim is to complete a rigorous career development plan including mentoring plans, training plans, and
pertinent coursework. The community-based participatory research project is centered in Tahlequah, Oklahoma
with the Cherokee Nation and built on a three-year research relationship between the tribe and the PI. Over this
time, the PI has worked with this community to evaluate a current Cherokee-created program, Remember the
Removal, that aims to improve the health and well-being of select young adult citizens through programs that
teach Cherokee culture, language and history along with improving diet and exercise. The new program, Journey
of Cherokees, to be developed with community participation, will build on the prior program’s foundation but
include expanded enrollment capacity, a larger age range, and flexible physical activity programs. The goal of
the proposed project is to advance the science of community-partnered generation of culturally specific health
interventions by promoting the power of cultural learning and cultural revitalization. The proposed research and
career development plan will position the PI to obtain R01 funding within the 5-year study period, and to become
a nationally recognized leader in innovative lifestyle interventions for preventing CVD and other negative health
outcomes among AIs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10101665
- **Project number:** 5K01HL142944-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA
- **Principal Investigator:** MELISSA LEWIS
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $133,686
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-02-15 → 2025-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10101665

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10101665, Adaptation and implementation of a Cherokee-based participatory research project to reduce CVD risk (5K01HL142944-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10101665. Licensed CC0.

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