TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — A Cherokee Nation and University of Tulsa research study on whether making changes at home or school will reduce asthma among Cherokee children, is now seeking 90 Cherokee families to participate.
The “From Home to School: Tribal Indoor Air Quality Study” is now entering into the data collection phase and seeking Cherokee students with asthma from 12 schools in the tribe’s jurisdiction.
Schools participating are Briggs, Brushy, Cave Springs, Gore, Hulbert, Liberty, Muldrow, Rocky Mountain, Stilwell, Tenkiller, Westville, and Zion. Researchers hope to recruit up to eight families from each school to participate. Gift cards are available to families.
“Asthma is a leading cause of school absences each year so our study, and participants, will be helping find effective ways to reduce triggers in their classrooms and at home,” said Cherokee Nation Health Research Director Sohail Khan, who is also the study co-investigator. “The Cherokee Nation is grateful to have this federal grant and work alongside the University of Tulsa and promote healthier living.”
The study was funded last year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA grant is for three years with data collection starting in the 2015-16 academic school year.
Richard Shaughnessy, founder and director of research for TU’s Indoor Air Program, is the principal investigator. Six Cherokee college students attending NSU are working as field researchers to collect data in homes and schools. The study also involves the Navajo Nation and the Nez Perce Tribe.
The deadline to apply is Sept. 1. Families should call Cherokee Nation Environmental Specialist Shaun West at 918-453-5363 or david-reisdorph@utulsa.edu.
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