U of A Nursing and NAU partner to foster health equity in Native American cancer prevention

The University of Arizona (U of A) College of Nursing is pleased to announce that Timian Godfrey, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, associate clinical professor, has received a $360,000 three-year grant for her project titled “Adhering to a Culturally Responsive Framework: Integrating Kinship into a Multilevel Community-Based Intervention for American Indian Adults with Comorbid Type 2 Diabetes and Cancer.” The U of A Cancer Center funds this grant under the Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention. 

This groundbreaking initiative is a collaboration among the U of A, Northern Arizona University (NAU), and the Arizona Tribal Nations. It exemplifies the university’s commitment to land acknowledgment and building partnerships with Arizona's Indigenous communities. Terry Badger, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, Interim Associate Dean for Research, is the co-investigator on this project.

In a joint effort with the Pascua Yaqui Health Services, the program will address critical health disparities in Native American populations, specifically focusing on enhancing cancer prevention efforts. The funding, split evenly between the U of A and NAU, reflects the commitment of both institutions to foster health equity for Native American communities across the state. This collaborative approach ensures that the solutions are culturally sensitive and community-driven, making the Native communities integral to the project's success.

Godfrey, a proud member of the Navajo Nation, is dedicated to improving health outcomes for Native Americans. Throughout her career, she has strongly advocated for increasing the number of Native American nurses. Her current research efforts focus on diabetes prevention and management in Native communities. “This work is deeply personal to me. Our communities face significant health challenges, and by increasing representation in nursing and developing culturally relevant interventions, we can create pathways to lasting health improvements,” said Godfrey.

This project aligns perfectly with the college’s Research Areas of Excellence, particularly in disease prevention, health promotion, and cancer survivorship. “Through collaborative projects like this, the College of Nursing reinforces its commitment to health equity and the well-being of Arizona’s Native communities. Godfrey’s work represents significant progress in achieving this vision, demonstrating the college’s dedication to building impactful partnerships with Indigenous communities throughout the state,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing.

“Dr. Godfrey embodies the College of Nursing’s dedication to promoting health equity. Her steadfast commitment to culturally informed care and her advocacy for Native American health outcomes establish her as an essential leader in this field,” stated Lindsay Bouchard, DNP, PMHNP-BC, RN, associate clinical professor, and interim vice chair of the Advanced Nursing Practice and Science Division.

Godfrey’s project integrates innovation, community involvement, and a culturally responsive approach to address the needs of Native American adults facing diabetes and cancer. It demonstrates the College of Nursing’s ongoing commitment to research aimed at reducing health disparities while honoring the core values of respect and kinship in Indigenous traditions. The grant awarded to Godfrey is expected to have a significant positive impact on the lives of Native American communities, promoting health equity and creating lasting pathways to wellness.