Hawaii N CREW Research Resource Center

Native Hawaiians, the Indigenous people of Hawaii, have a rich cultural background yet continue to face challenges resulting in significant disparities in addiction and chronic pain rates. Native Hawaiians show lower participation in treatment programs compared to other ethnic groups. There is a rising acknowledgment of Native Hawaiian healing traditions that emphasize resilience and community empowerment. Additionally, more research regarding treatments from an Indigenous perspective is needed. Recent efforts have supported Native Hawaiian wellness models for healing, requiring Indigenous approaches to research. The Hawaii HEAL Research Resource Center, a collaborative initiative involving practitioners and researchers, strives to improve culturally responsive substance abuse and mental health care for Native Hawaiians. In the planning phase, specific aims include: (1) Convening Native Hawaiian HEAL Planning Group to guide the direction of our efforts and ensure that all strategies are culturally aligned with Native Hawaiian community needs using relational design; (2) Developing and providing comprehensive, real-time resources and support to one or more Native Hawaiian Serving Organizations as they enhance research capacity; and (3) Identifying effective strategies and approaches for supporting Native Hawaiian Serving Organizations as they develop and conduct HEAL-related research and data improvement projects. The center will align efforts with Native Hawaiian community needs, enhance research capacity, and support data improvement projects. The Hawaii HEAL Research Resource Center, in collaboration with Native Hawaiian- serving organizations, aims to improve addiction and pain management outcomes for Native Hawaiian communities. By integrating Native Hawaiian healing practices and Indigenous research methods, the initiative not only builds research capacity, but it also promotes equitable healthcare, cultural respect and safety, and community well-being, ultimately leading to better health outcomes, a stronger sense of community and long-term healing. This study is part of the NIH’s Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative to speed scientific solutions for the overdose epidemic, including opioid and stimulant use disorders, and the crisis of chronic pain. The NIH HEAL Initiative bolsters research across NIH to improve treatment for opioid misuse and addiction and acute and chronic pain.