Anne Helene Skinstad, clinical professor in the College of Public Health, has recently been awarded grants totaling $9.5 million over the next five years to help reduce drug and alcohol addiction among American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

The grants will benefit three initiatives Skinstad oversees in the College of Public Health: the National American Indian/Alaska Native Addiction Technology Transfer Center, which received $4 million; the Tribal Affairs Technology Transfer Center, which received $3 million; and the Tribal Affairs Prevention Technology Transfer Center, which received $2.5 million.

The grants were made by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Housed in the College of Public Health, the national centers focus on American Indian and Alaska Native communities in Iowa and around the country, educating and training people who provide substance abuse treatment and counseling using culturally appropriate methods. The centers support professionals working with clients suffering from substance use and other behavioral health disorders, prominently including a native behavioral health workforce.

The centers also conduct conferences and leadership forums for tribal leaders who are working to reduce addiction among their communities.