American Indian Collaborations

From the first conversations about Type 2 diabetes in youth to a ceremonial blessing of our new building, our partnership with Oklahoma Tribal communities and the Indian Health Service has grown step by step over two decades. In 2000, Section leaders began discussions with the Absentee-Shawnee Tribe, Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, and the Oklahoma City Area Indian Health Service about youth Type 2 diabetes research. This collaboration helped shape the TODAY Study, the first NIH clinical trial focused on Type 2 diabetes in youth, in which more than 40% of screened participants were American Indian. In 2009, our Section moved into a new building and received a ceremonial cedar blessing from the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic. Today, on-site diabetes and endocrinology services continue in Ada, Ardmore, Durant, and Talihina, alongside ongoing research partnerships and a continued commitment to serving Oklahoma communities.