SYNCH Collective

synch logoSYstems of Native Community Health (SYNCH) is a community-based research initiative with active studies in Rapid City and the Pine Ridge Reservation communities. Currently, SYNCH Collective focuses on discerning equitable actions to improve community well-being related to substance use and reproductive health (alcohol and substance exposed pregnancy, alcohol/substance use and intimate partner violence) — through systems-level change.

SYNCH brings people together to discuss challenges, strengths, and resiliency through the lens of systems science. Our goal is to empower the community to increase health equity. Our dedication to these topics come from a personal, as well as a professional, place.

Why We Need You

The community is a vital part of our research process. Each community is unique in terms of its history, relationships, strengths, resources and challenges. Together, we brainstorm ideas for solutions and ways to put those ideas into action.

Your voice matters because you are a member of the community. Your information is important to getting a true picture of the issues and together finding meaningful community-built solutions.

Research Conversation

You can help by participating in research conversations. Your participation will help your community respond to intimate-partner violence, meaning violence between romantic or sexual partners; alcohol and drug misuse; and substance-exposed pregnancy.

Eligibility

  • You live within the Pine Ridge Reservation.
  • You’re at least 18 years old.
  • You have personal or professional experience with family violence, substance/alcohol misuse, or substance/alcohol exposed pregnancy.

About the Incentive & Commitment

You can receive either $50 for a 1.5-hour conversation or $200 for two three-hour conversations spaced two weeks apart. These conversations can be held remotely or in person.

Complete a Survey

You can help by completing two surveys. Your participation will help your community respond to intimate-partner violence, meaning violence between romantic or sexual partners; alcohol and drug misuse; and substance-exposed pregnancy.

Eligibility

  • You live in Rapid City or on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
  • You’re at least 18 years old.
  • You have been pregnant or gotten someone pregnant within the last five years.

About the Incentive & Commitment

You can receive $35 for each survey. There will be two surveys in total, taken no more than two years apart. Each survey will take about 45-50 minutes to complete. These surveys can be completed remotely or in person.

two kids walking parents in background

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