Native-led research group works to address health gaps in tribal communities

A Native-owned medical research company based on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation is working to address health disparities and expand public health knowledge in tribal communities, according to South Dakota News Watch. Missouri Breaks Industries Research, founded about 30 years ago in Eagle Butte, manages medical research projects, provides health education and supplies medical equipment to Native populations. The organization serves the Oglala Lakota, Cheyenne River Sioux, Standing Rock Sioux and Spirit Lake Nation and operates research offices in Rapid City as well as Pine Ridge and Kyle on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Founder Marcia O’Leary, a registered nurse, said Native-led research helps ensure communities maintain control over their data and health information. “For things to change, people have to have knowledge, and they have to own their data in order to really have autonomy over it,” O’Leary told South Dakota News Watch. The organization employs about 45 staff members, more than 80% of whom are tribal citizens, to help build trust and guide research focused on health issues affecting Native communities.