By Amy Farnum-Patronis, Florida State University News

TALLAHASSEE — A Florida State University nursing professor is working toward reducing health risks among Native American and Alaska Native young adults in urban Florida thanks to a new federal grant.

John Lowe, the McKenzie Endowed Professor for Health Disparities Research in the College of Nursing, received the $1.275 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Professor Lowe’s work in reducing health risks such as substance abuse, HIV and hepatitis is a vital area of public health research,” said Vice President for Research Gary K. Ostrander. “This grant allows him to continue to expand this important body of research and develop interventions that will help a great number of people.”

Lowe, who is also the director of the Center for Indigenous Nursing Research for Health Equity (INRHE), is the principal investigator for the project, “Community Partnership for Preventing Health Risks among Florida Urban American Indian & Alaska Native Young Adults.”

“There remain enduring health disparities, substantial service gaps and a large, unmet need for state of the science prevention for substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis among urban American Indian and Alaska Native young adults in Florida,” Lowe said. “This project will contribute significantly and meaningfully to closing this gap and addressing these health disparities.”

The project will aim to provide a solid foundation for delivering sustainable, high-quality, accessible, state-of-the-science substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis prevention research and services to urban American Indian and Alaska Native young adults, ages 18-24, living in Florida.

“This new grant is a tremendous accomplishment for Dr. Lowe,” said Judith McFetridge-Durdle, dean of the College of Nursing. “This new project aligns with the mission of the INRHE center and will generate information to improve health equity for indigenous people. This grant marks a new era for the College of Nursing as we strive to generate new knowledge and contribute to the research mission of the university.”

Lowe’s project will include age and culturally appropriate activities directed toward reducing substance abuse and the transmission of HIV and viral hepatitis.

For more information on the Center for Indigenous Nursing Research for Health Equity, click here.