Timeline Reminder: Applications for ROA OTA-23-007 and ROA OTA-23-008 were due on November 1, 2023. Review will occur in February 2024, and the earliest anticipated award date is in June 2024.
NIH held Tribal Consultations in 2018 and 2022 pdf 377.56 KB to seek input on research needs for addressing opioid misuse and improving pain management in Native communities. Many themes emerged, including the importance of Indigenous Knowledge and local expertise, and the need to invest in research and data led by Tribes and Native American Serving Organizations (T/NASOs). In direct response to priorities identified in Tribal Consultations, the N CREW Program is a highly collaborative partnership between NIH, T/NASOs, and Ally Organizations established to directly respond to the opioid/drug public health emergency.
The N CREW Program supports T/NASOs to conduct locally prioritized research to address overdose, substance use, and pain, including related factors such as mental health and wellness. Research led by Native communities is essential for enhancing culturally grounded, strengths-based, effective, and sustainable intervention strategies, ultimately promoting healthy equity.
The N CREW Program has three main goals:
The N CREW Program is anticipated as a seven-year program (Fiscal Year 24 - FY30) with two Phases. It is planned as a multi-component Program using a variety of funding mechanisms, which may include Other Transactions, Cooperative Agreements, Contracts and/or Grants over the course of the Program. The overall planned budget for all N CREW Program components is approximately $268 million.
In Phase I (FY24-FY26), NIH will support T/NASOs to plan, develop, pilot, and/or implement research and/or data improvement projects (ROA OTA-23-007 pdf 423.95 KB). NIH will also support T/NASOs and Ally Organizations to form a Native Research Resource Network to provide comprehensive training and resources to support T/NASOs in real-time as they lead research and data improvement projects. Components of the network will also provide coordination of resources, reporting, and cross-site activities (ROA OTA-23-008 pdf 429.93 KB).
The Native Research Resource Network members, T/NASOs, and NIH will collaborate to meet Program objectives throughout Phase I. The overall planned budget for Phase I activities is approximately $25 million.
Applications for Phase I were due on November 1, 2023; however, NIH is interested in learning about the different ways communities are addressing overdose, substance use, pain, and related factors (e.g., mental health, wellness). Please email [email protected] if you would like to share what your community is doing.
Phase II is anticipated to begin in FY26 and continue for approximately five years through FY30. Phase II will likely support the implementation of research and/or data improvement projects developed in Phase I. Phase II projects will be individualized to applicants and will build on what is learned and achieved in Phase I. The overall planned budget for Phase II activities is approximately $240 million.
Across Phases I and II, ancillary activities that support achieving overall Program goals may be identified as the Program develops.
Read the Questions and Answers to learn more about the Program.
There are no open funding announcements. Please check back regularly for new funding opportunities.
There are no upcoming technical assistance events at this time. Applications for Phase I were due on November 1, 2023. Recordings for Phase I technical assistance are available to view online:
Contact: Dr. Kathy Etz, NIDA
Page last updated February 02, 2024
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
