Monica Allen
Psychology and Native American Studies
Mentor: Leola Paquin, PhD
Project: Safeguarding the Wellness and the Journey to Heal Native America
About Monica Allen
My research addresses the health disparities these communities face, by looking at specific needs and how they can be utilized to assess the most important issues that communities face on a local level to encourage overall health for its members. The goal is to help the Native Communities reach a healthier lifestyle and thus flourish within their societies. The research is important because with an assessment Native communities can be assessed to develop and address the needs of its members. It further discourses my research question by showing how cost-effective ways and the performance of mentally ill patients can be applied in established wellness plans to further address disparities Native Americans face in terms of health and education. When health care reform is examined more closely with Native communities, it can help with important issues that communities face on a local level and it can encourage overall health for its members with onset substance abuse and mental health issues thus affecting "community" involvement. Finally, it will inform healthcare providers and community service project teams by showing the tensions from various native populations and the trauma endured through generations/histories that is pragmatic in the observation and involvement of the “daily lives” of the community and its member. 
