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Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - NEW MEXICO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & CARE DEPARTMENT 1120 PASEO DE PERALTA SANTA FE, NM 87502 JOHANNA KEHOE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, FAMILY SUPPORT & EARLY INTERVENTION MOBILE: 505-660-7435 EMAIL ADDRESS. JOHANNAD.KEHOE@ECECD.NM.GOV HTTP://NMECECD.ORG REQUESTING $4,476,858.00 FEDERAL BASE- $3,750,965.00 FEDERAL MATCHING-$725,893.00 ANNOTATION: NEW MEXICO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & CARE DEPARTMENT (ECECD) OVERSEES THE STATES LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES (LIAS). ECECD PROVIDES IMPORTANT EARLY CHILDHOOD INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE FAMILIES IN ALL REGIONS OF THE STATE. AS A RESULT, NEW MEXICO’S HIGHEST-RISK FAMILIES CAN ACHIEVE POSITIVE OUTCOMES IN CHILDREN’S OVERALL DEVELOPMENT, INCREASE SCHOOL READINESS, AND ENHANCE PARENTS’ ABILITIES TO SUPPORT AND NURTURE THEIR CHILDREN. ALONG WITH SUPPORT TO COLLABORATE WITH GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES AND OTHER LOCAL PROVIDERS TO INCREASE AWARENESS AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT WITHIN THE COMMUNITIES OF NEW MEXICO. PROBLEM: ECECD DETERMINES AREAS OF INEQUITY IN THE STATE WHERE FAMILIES AND CHILDREN ARE MOST AT RISK. ECECD BELIEVES ALL FAMILIES CAN BENEFIT FROM HOME VISITING BUT TAKES A TARGETED UNIVERSAL APPROACH TO ENSURE THAT THE MOST AT-RISK AREAS RECEIVE EXTRA FOCUS AND SUPPORT. HOME VISITING IS PROVIDED TO FAMILIES PRENATALLY TO THE AGE OF FIVE YEARS OLD. BY SETTING THE FOUNDATION FOR EARLY PRENATAL CARE AND ENCOURAGING HEALTHY BIRTHS, HOME VISITORS ASSIST FAMILIES IN PREPARING FOR PREGNANCY, PROVIDE SUPPORT DURING PREGNANCY, AND PROMOTE THE DELIVERY OF A HEALTHY BABY. PURPOSE: NEW MEXICO LEVERAGES THE MATERNAL, INFANT, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING (MIECHV) FEDERAL GRANT TO FUND EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING DIRECT SERVICES AND INVESTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORTS FOR DATA MANAGEMENT AND ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO ENSURE QUALITY SERVICES AND PROGRAMMING. NEW MEXICO’S HOME VISITING PROGRAM IS WELL-ESTABLISHED AND IS COMMITTED TO A TARGETED UNIVERSALISM APPROACH, IMPROVING EARLY CHILDHOOD OUTCOMES FOR ALL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN AT-RISK COMMUNITIES, BY ENHANCING AND EXPANDING SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES. ECECD WORKS WITH LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES (LIAS) TO ADMINISTER EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING ACROSS THE STATE. ECECD ALSO PARTNERS WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO FOR INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT, INCLUDING DATA MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. NEW MEXICO HOME VISITING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: NEW MEXICO’S LIAS PROVIDE A RANGE OF HOME VISITATION SERVICES AND MODELS TO FAMILIES BEGINNING PRENATALLY UNTIL THEIR CHILDREN ARE FIVE YEARS OLD. HOME VISITORS SUPPORT FAMILIES BY PROMOTING EARLY PRENATAL CARE AND HEALTHY BIRTHS, TEACHING POSITIVE PARENTING AND SAFETY PRACTICES, SCREENING FOR DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS AND MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS, ASSISTING WITH ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE AND CARE, AND REFERRING FAMILIES TO APPROPRIATE COMMUNITY SUPPORTS. GOAL 1. NEW MEXICO FAMILIES WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEW MEXICO MIECHV HOME VISITING PROGRAM WILL HAVE AN ALIGNED SYSTEM APPROACH FOR PRENATAL THROUGH FIVE SERVICES. LIAS WILL TARGET PREGNANT PEOPLE AND YOUNG CHILDREN IN IDENTIFIED AT-RISK COMMUNITIES TO IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES. GOAL 2: ELIGIBLE ENROLLED PARENTS/CAREGIVERS AND CHILDREN WILL BE SCREENED TO PROMOTE IMPROVED PRENATAL, MATERNAL, AND CHILD HEALTH OUTCOMES. APPROACH: NEW MEXICO WILL CONTINUE ITS CURRENT USE OF THE EVIDENCE-BASED MODELS, NURSE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP (NFP), AND PARENTS AS TEACHERS (PAT). NEW MEXICO WILL SERVE THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITIES WITH FFY24 MIECHV FORMULA GRANT: DONA ANA, OTERO, ROOSEVELT, CURRY, LUNA, HIDALGO, BERNALILLO, VALENCIA, RIO ARRIBA, AND SANDOVAL COUNTIES IN THE PROPOSED ALLOCATION, NEW MEXICO HOME VISITING IS WORKING TOWARDS FILLING ALL ALLOTTED SLOTS. NEW MEXICO INTENDS TO CONTINUE OUTREACH AND RECRUITMENT EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN ENROLLMENT OF THE 648 MIECHV FAMILY SLOTS.

Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - PROJECT ABSTRACT PROJECT TITLE: MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING (MIECHV) PROGRAM BASE AND MATCHING GRANTS FY 2024 APPLICANT NAME: MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ADDRESS: 625 ROBERT ST N, ST. PAUL, MN 55155-2538 PROJECT DIRECTOR: JENNIFER LIPPERT PHONE NUMBER: 651-201-3640 EMAIL ADDRESS: JENNIE.LIPPERT@STATE.MN.US MIECHV PROJECT FUNDS REQUESTED: $10,286,509 ANNOTATION: THE MIECHV PROJECT WILL SUPPORT THE CONTINUATION OF EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING SERVICES AND IMPROVE HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES FOR FAMILIES RESIDING IN AT-RISK COMMUNITIES. FAMILIES SERVED INCLUDE THOSE WHO ARE PREGNANT AND/OR PARENTING CHILDREN UP TO TWO YEARS OLD AND EXPERIENCING POVERTY, HOUSING INSECURITY, AND/OR LIMITED ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE; IMPACTED BY MENTAL ILLNESS, SUBSTANCE USE, INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE, AND/OR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM; HAVE CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH NEEDS; AND FAMILIES WHO HAVE LIMITED ACCESS TO SOCIAL SUPPORTS AND SERVICES INCLUDING IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITIES. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE PROVIDING FUNDS TO LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES (LIAS) TO PROVIDE HOME VISITING IN AT-RISK COMMUNITIES, SUBRECIPIENT MONITORING, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO LIAS TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMS WITH FIDELITY TO EVIDENCE-BASED MODELS, CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT, AND COLLABORATION WITH EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEM PARTNERS. PROBLEM: MANY MINNESOTA FAMILIES FACE STRESSORS THAT AFFECT CHILDREN’S PHYSICAL, SOCIAL, AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT. FREQUENT EXPOSURE TO THESE STRESSORS INCREASES THE LIKELIHOOD OF FACING HEALTH DISPARITIES LATER IN LIFE. BY SUPPORTING FAMILIES AT THE BEGINNING OF THEIR CHILDREN’S LIVES, HOME VISITING IMPROVES FAMILY AND CHILD WELLBEING AND EMPOWERS PARENTS TO NURTURE THEIR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT. PURPOSE: TO IMPROVE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH, EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT, AND FAMILY WELLBEING THROUGH PROVIDING COORDINATED, COMPREHENSIVE, HIGH-QUALITY, AND VOLUNTARY EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING SERVICES TO FAMILIES IN MINNESOTA AT-RISK COMMUNITIES. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING GOALS: 1) STRENGTHEN AND IMPROVE THE STATE'S INFRASTRUCTURE, ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS CARRIED OUT UNDER TITLE V; 2) IMPROVE COORDINATION OF SERVICES FOR AT-RISK COMMUNITIES; 3) IDENTIFY AND PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE HOME VISITING SERVICES TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR ELIGIBLE FAMILIES WHO RESIDE IN AT RISK COMMUNITIES AND CONTINUALLY MONITOR SERVICE DELIVERY. APPROACH: MINNESOTA LIAS WILL PROVIDE SERVICES TO A PROPOSED CASELOAD OF 1,178 FAMILY SLOTS DURING BOTH FEDERAL FISCAL YEARS OF THE PROJECT PERIOD. LIAS WILL IMPLEMENT THE MATERNAL EARLY CHILDHOOD SUSTAINED HOME-VISITING (MECSH) AND NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP (NFP) MODELS. LIAS WILL SERVE ANOKA, BENTON, CARLTON, CASS, DAKOTA, HENNEPIN, OLMSTED, RAMSEY, SAINT LOUIS, SHERBURNE, STEARNS, WASHINGTON, AND WRIGHT COUNTIES.

Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - PROJECT ABSTRACT FOR THE USVI MIECHV PROGRAM ADDRESS: 3241 ESTATE CONTANT 3RD FL ST. THOMAS, VI 00802 PROJECT DIRECTOR: JANIS VALMOND CONTACT NUMBER: 340-777-8804 EMAIL ADDRESS: JANIS.VALMOND@DOH.VI.GOV WEBSITE: WWW.DOH.VI.GOV 1. PROJECT ABSTRACT A. STANDARD OMB-APPROVED PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY FORM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS MATERNAL, INFANT, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING (VI MIECHV) PROGRAM AIMS TO ENHANCE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE, PROMOTE HEALTH EQUITY FOR MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH, AND STRENGTHEN WORKFORCE CAPACITY FOR HOME VISITING. THIS INITIATIVE WILL INCREASE FAMILY ENROLLMENT IN EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING MODELS, EXPAND COMMUNITY HEALTH OUTREACH TO UNDERSERVED AREAS THROUGH THE EXPANSION OF SERVICES OF NURSE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP (NFP) TO ST. CROIX. THE PROGRAM WILL IMPLEMENT HEALTH EQUITY INITIATIVES BY IMPLEMENTING STAFF TRAINING ON TOPICS RELATED TO HEALTH EQUITY AND CULTURE SENSITIVITY. THE PROGRAM ADDRESSES MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH DISPARITIES AND SOCIOECONOMIC CHALLENGES BY PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT SERVICES AND IMPROVING HEALTHCARE ACCESS. PROBLEM: THE VI FACES SIGNIFICANT MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH DISPARITIES, INCLUDING HIGH RATES OF PRETERM BIRTHS AND LOW BIRTH WEIGHT, PARTICULARLY IN LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES. THERE IS ALSO A NEED TO ADDRESS SOCIOECONOMIC CHALLENGES SUCH AS POVERTY, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT AFFECT MANY FAMILIES. PURPOSE: THE PURPOSE OF THE VI MIECHV PROGRAM IS TO IMPROVE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH OUTCOMES, ENHANCE SERVICE DELIVERY, AND ENSURE HEALTH EQUITY TO MOTHERS AND BABIES ACROSS THE TERRITORY OF ST. THOMAS, ST. JOHN AND ST. CROIX BY IMPLEMENTING EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING MODELS AND COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT SERVICES. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. ENHANCE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE AND INCREASE THE NUMBER OF FAMILIES ENROLLED IN NURSE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP (NFP) & HEALTHY FAMILIES AMERICA (HFA) PROGRAMS TO MEET THE TARGET POPULATION OF 100 FAMILY’S TERRITORY WIDE. OBJECTIVES: 1.1 COLLABORATE WITH TWO NEW HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO BOOST REFERRAL RATES. 1.2 CONDUCT AT LEAST THREE COMMUNITY HEALTH OUTREACHES INDEPENDENTLY AND/OR IN CONJUNCTION WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS ANNUALLY. OBJECTIVES: 2.1 ENSURE ALL MIECHV STAFF COMPLETE HEALTH EQUITY TRAINING WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT. OBJECTIVES: 3. STRENGTHEN WORKFORCE CAPACITY: RECRUIT AND TRAIN ADDITIONAL HOME VISITORS SPECIALIZING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR. 3.1 OFFER COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION PACKAGES TO ATTRACT NEW RECRUITS. 3.2 OFFER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO 100% OF THE STAFF ANNUALLY. APPROACH: LIST THE FOLLOWING: ELIGIBLE EVIDENCE-BASED MODELS AND PROMISING APPROACHES SUPPORT WITH MIECHV AWARD FUNDS. • NURSE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP (NFP) AND HEALTHY FAMILIES AMERICA (HFA) ARE THE TWO VOLUNTARY EVIDENCE-BASED MODELS THAT WILL BE UTILIZED USING THE NEW AWARD FUNDS. NFP WILL SERVE THE FIRST-TIME MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN, PROVIDING HOME VISITING SERVICES DURING PREGNANCY AND CONTINUING THROUGH THE CHILD’S FIRST TWO YEARS OF LIFE. HEALTHY FAMILIES AMERICA (HFA) TARGETS PARENTS FACING CHALLENGES SUCH AS SINGLE PARENTHOOD, LOW INCOME, CHILDHOOD HISTORY OF ABUSE AND OTHER ADVERSE CHILD EXPERIENCES. HOME VISITING SERVICES ARE INITIATED DURING PREGNANCY OR AFTER BIRTH BEFORE THE CHILD TURNS THREE MONTHS OF AGE AND CONTINUE UNTIL THE CHILD IS THREE YEARS OLD. COMMUNITIES IDENTIFIED IN YOUR STATEWIDE NEEDS ASSESSMENT THAT YOU INTEND TO SERVE AND ANY SPECIFIC TARGET POPULATION GROUPS (S) TO BE SERVED WITHIN THOSE COMMUNITIES. • THE PROGRAM PRIMARILY SERVES LOW-INCOME FAMILIES, TEEN MOTHERS, AND FAMILIES WITH A HISTORY OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE, MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, OR OTHER RISK FACTORS THAT MAY IMPACT MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH OUTCOMES IN ST. THOMAS, ST. JOHN AND ST. CROIX. TOTAL PROPOSED CASELOAD OF MIECHV FAMILY SLOTS (SEE APPENDIX B FOR A DEFINITION OF CASELOAD OF MIECHV FAMILY SLOTS) FOR EACH FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR WITHIN PERI

Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - PROJECT ABSTRACT PROJECT TITLE: HAWAII MATERNAL, INFANT, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING (MIECHV) FORMULA GRANT PROJECT FY 2024 APPLICANT NAME: HAWAII STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) ADDRESS: 1250 PUNCHBOWL STREET, HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813-2416 PROJECT DIRECTOR NAME: MATTHEW J. SHIM, PHD, MPH, CHIEF, FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS: 808-586-4122 EMAIL ADDRESS: MATTHEW.SHIM@DOH.HAWAII.GOV ANNOTATION: THE HAWAII MIECHV FORMULA GRANT PROJECT FY 2024 MAINTAINS COLLABORATION OF COMPREHENSIVE EARLY IDENTIFICATION (EID) PROGRAMS. THE RESULT IS A NETWORK OF PARTNERSHIPS WITH BIRTHING HOSPITALS, PHYSICIANS, THE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN (WIC), COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, AND PRENATAL CLINICS THAT OFFER VOLUNTARY HOME VISITING SERVICES TO PREGNANT WOMEN OR CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN BIRTH TO KINDERGARTEN ENTRY. THESE SERVICES IMPROVE OUTCOMES AND REDUCE HEALTH DISPARITIES FOR FAMILIES LIVING IN COMMUNITIES AT GREATEST RISK. PROBLEM: PER THE 2020 MIECHV NEEDS ASSESSMENT, FAMILIES RESIDING IN HAWAII FACE UNEQUAL BIRTH, HEALTH, AND DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES BASED ON THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH THEY LIVE. PURPOSE: THE FORMULA GRANT PROJECT FY 2024 WILL PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE EID AND EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING SERVICES TO FAMILIES RESIDING IN ONE OF THE DESIGNATED PRIORITY AT-RISK GEOGRAPHIC AREAS TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR AT-RISK CHILDREN. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: THE GRANTEE WILL ACHIEVE FOUR (4) GOALS: 1) INCREASE PROGRAM SUCCESS IN REACHING, ENGAGING, AND RETAINING HIGH-RISK FAMILIES; 2) INCREASE PROGRAM SUCCESS IN RECRUITING AND RETAINING HIGH-QUALITY HOME VISITORS; 3) STRENGTHEN HOME VISITING EFFECTIVENESS IN THE COORDINATION OF REFERRALS; AND 4) PROMOTE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF OUR PROGRAM OF HOME VISITING THROUGH THE ENHANCEMENT OF CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (CQI). THE GRANTEE WILL MEET THESE GOALS BY PURSUING THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES: 1) MAINTAIN 85% CAPACITY UTILIZATION THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE; 2) UTILIZE THE RESULTS OF THE TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT TO PRIORITIZE AND IMPLEMENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOME VISITORS AND SUPERVISORS; 3) STRENGTHEN HOME VISITING EFFECTIVENESS IN THE COORDINATION OF REFERRALS BY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF CLEAR POINTS OF CONTACT FOR RECOMMENDED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DURING THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE, WITH SPECIAL CARE MADE TO OFFER CLEAR POINTS OF CONTACT FOR CULTURALLY DIVERSE AND APPROPRIATE SERVICES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY; AND 4) ENSURE THAT THE PROGRAM IS SUSTAINABLE AND CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING SO THAT IT CAN HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON OUTCOMES AND REDUCE HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISPARITIES IN THE COMMUNITY. WE WILL CONTINUE TO HOLD QUARTERLY MEETINGS WITH LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES (LIAS) THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE TO: 1) SHARE ADVANCEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF CQI; (2) ENSURE CONSISTENCY OF CQI EFFORTS ACROSS LIAS; AND 3) PROVIDE CONTINUED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (TA) IN INTEGRATING HEALTH EQUITY ISSUES INTO CQI EFFORTS THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. HAWAII IS REQUESTING $3,894,545.00 IN BASE FUNDING AND REQUESTING A MATCH OF $725,892.00 FOR A TOTAL BUDGET OF $4,620,437.00. METHODOLOGY: THE MIECHV EID PROGRAM SCREENS AND REFERS FAMILIES WHO RESIDE IN THE PRIORITY AT-RISK COMMUNITIES STATEWIDE, AS DESCRIBED UNDER SUBSECTION 511(B)(1)(A). THE EID PROGRAMS APPROACH PRENATAL WOMEN AND PARENTS OF NEWBORNS WHO RESIDE IN THE DESIGNATED PRIORITY AT-RISK GEOGRAPHIC AREA TO SCREEN FOR THE YOUR OHANA NETWORK PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY. KEY ACTIVITIES INCLUDE PARTNERSHIPS WITH TITLE IV-E, TITLE V, AND CORE STATE VIOLENCE AND INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM (SVIPP) GRANTEES TO IMPROVE INTEGRATION WITH EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEMS. MODELS: HFA, HIPPY, AND PAT. COMMUNITIES SERVED: DOWNTOWN – KALIHI, EAST HAWAII, KOLOA, LANAI, MOLOKAI, WEST HAWAII, WAHIAWA, WAIANAE, AND MAUI. PROPOSED CASELOAD SLOTS: 474 (FY25), 474 (FY26). CURRENT CASELOAD SLOTS: 474.

Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY ADDRESS: 450 W. STATE STREET - 4TH FLOOR, BOISE, ID 83702-6056 PROJECT DIRECTOR: TARYN YATES PHONE: (208) 334-4961 EMAIL ADDRESS: TARYN.YATES@DHW.IDAHO.GOV WEBSITE: HTTPS://HEALTHANDWELFARE.IDAHO.GOV/SERVICES-PROGRAMS/CHILDREN-FAMILIES/ABOUT-HOME-VISITING FUNDS REQUESTED: $3,956,227 ANNOTATION: THE IDAHO MIECHV PROGRAM SERVES 27 OF 44 COUNTIES IN THE STATE WITH PLANS TO EXPAND TO 41 BY SEPTEMBER 2025. SERVICES ARE IMPLEMENTED THROUGH EACH OF THE SEVEN PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICTS ACROSS THE STATE AND WILL SOON BE ACCOMPANIED BY TWO ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS, INCLUDING A TRIBAL PROGRAM, TO MEET THE GROWING NEED IN THE STATE. THE IDAHO MIECHV PROGRAM AIMS TO OFFER HIGH QUALITY SERVICES TO AS MANY FAMILIES AS POSSIBLE WHILE MAINTAINING A STABLE AND SKILLED WORKFORCE. WITH LIMITED SERVICES AVAILABLE TO YOUNG FAMILIES, HOME VISITING IS A CRITICAL SERVICE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF IDAHO’S FAMILIES. PROBLEM: IDAHO IS A RURAL AND HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED AREA. THERE IS A LACK OF ADEQUATE HEALTHCARE, MENTAL HEALTHCARE, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES IN MOST REGIONS OF THE STATE. HOME VISITING MEETS FAMILIES WHERE THEY ARE AND SERVES NOT ONLY AS A DIRECT SUPPORT, BUT AS A CONNECTION TO THE RESOURCES THAT DO EXIST IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. PURPOSE: HOME VISITING PROGRAMS AIM TO SUPPORT FAMILIES IN AT-RISK COMMUNITIES, ADVANCE HEALTH EQUITY BY LEVERAGING INDIVIDUAL FAMILY STRENGTHS, IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH, AND ENSURE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES HAVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO REACH THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: IDAHO MIECHV AIMS TO IMPLEMENT VOLUNTARY, EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING PROGRAMS THAT SERVE FAMILIES IN AT-RISK COMMUNITIES TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES, ENSURE HIGH-QUALITY HOME VISITING SERVICES, AND COLLABORATE WITH STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERS TO COORDINATE EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEMS AND HIGH-QUALITY SERVICES. IDAHO MIECHV WILL ACCOMPLISH THIS BY: 1) DEMONSTRATING OUTCOMES THROUGH PROGRAM EVALUATION AND BENCHMARK REPORTING 2) OFFERING REFLECTIVE CONSULTATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES TO HOME VISITORS THAT ARE ALIGNED AND COORDINATED WITH THE COMPETENCIES OF INFANT MENTAL HEALTH 3) DEVELOPING AND SUPPORTING CQI PROJECTS 4) BUILDING A COLLABORATIVE OF HOME VISITING PROGRAMS STATEWIDE 5) IMPLEMENTING A SUSTAINABLE MEDICAID BILLING PROCESS APPROACH: IDAHO MIECHV HAS ESTABLISHED CONTRACTS WITH LIAS TO DELIVER EBHV SERVICES IN AT-RISK COMMUNITIES USING THE NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP (NFP) AND PARENTS AS TEACHERS (PAT) MODELS. THE AT-RISK COMMUNITIES IN IDAHO FUNDED BY IDAHO MIECHV INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: ADA, ADAMS, BANNOCK, BEAR LAKE, BENEWAH, BINGHAM, BOISE, BONNER, BONNEVILLE, BOUNDARY, CANYON, CARIBOU, CASSIA, CLARK, CLEARWATER, CUSTER, ELMORE, FRANKLIN, FREMONT, GEM, GOODING, IDAHO, JEFFERSON, JEROME, KOOTENAI, LATAH, LEMHI, LEWIS, LINCOLN, MADISON, MINIDOKA, NEZ PERCE, ONEIDA, OWYHEE, PAYETTE, POWER, SHOSHONE, TETON, TWIN FALLS, VALLEY, WASHINGTON, AND COUNTIES, AS WELL AS THE COUNTIES THAT ENCOMPASS THE COEUR D’ ALENE, NEZ PERCE, AND SHOSHONE-BANNOCK TRIBAL RESERVATIONS. THE 2024 NEEDS ASSESSMENT AMENDMENT IDENTIFIED ALL 44 IDAHO COUNTIES AS COMMUNITIES IN NEED OF SERVICES. OF THOSE 44 COUNTIES, A TOTAL OF 41 WILL BE SERVED WITH MIECHV FUNDS. THE TOTAL PROPOSED CASELOAD OF FAMILY SLOTS IS 528 FOR FY2024 AND FY2025. KEY ACTIVITIES TO ENSURE APPROPRIATE NETWORKING AND SUPPORT INCLUDE: REGULARLY COORDINATING AND CONVENING WITH STATE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO GUIDE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION; EVALUATION OF PROGRAM ACTIVITIES, OUTCOMES, AND IMPLEMENTATION; AND SUBRECIPIENT MONITORING VIA CHECK-IN CALLS, REPORTS, DATA ANALYSIS, AND BIENNIAL SITE VISITS.

Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY ADDRESS: 450 W. STATE STREET - 4TH FLOOR, BOISE, ID 83702-6056 PROJECT DIRECTOR: TARYN YATES PHONE: (208) 334-0658 EMAIL ADDRESS: TARYN.YATES@DHW.IDAHO.GOV WEBSITE: HTTPS://HEALTHANDWELFARE.IDAHO.GOV/SERVICES-PROGRAMS/CHILDREN-FAMILIES/ABOUTHOME- VISITING FUNDS REQUESTED: $4,374,987 PURPOSE: HOME VISITING PROGRAMS SUPPORT FAMILIES, LEVERAGE INDIVIDUAL FAMILY STRENGTHS, AND ENSURE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO REACH THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL. EXPECTANT PARENTS AND PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN ARE PAIRED WITH A DESIGNATED HOME VISITOR, TYPICALLY A TRAINED NURSE, SOCIAL WORKER, OR OTHER EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONAL. HOME VISITING IS A LONG TERM, RELATIONSHIP-BASED PROGRAM WITH SUSTAINABLE POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR FAMILIES. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: THE IDAHO HOME VISITING PROGRAM (IHVP) AIMS TO IMPLEMENT VOLUNTARY, EVIDENCE-BASED SERVICES THAT IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR FAMILIES, ENSURE HIGH QUALITY SERVICES, AND COLLABORATE WITH STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERS TO STRENGTHEN EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEMS AND COORDINATE SERVICES. IHVP WILL ACCOMPLISH THIS BY: 1) DEMONSTRATING OUTCOMES THROUGH PROGRAM EVALUATION AND BENCHMARK REPORTING 2) OFFERING REFLECTIVE CONSULTATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES TO HOME VISITORS THAT ARE ALIGNED AND COORDINATED WITH THE COMPETENCIES OF INFANT MENTAL HEALTH 3) DEVELOPING AND SUPPORTING CQI PROJECTS 4) MAINTAINING AN EFFECTIVE MEDICAID BILLING PROCESS APPROACH: THE IHVP HAS ESTABLISHED CONTRACTS WITH EIGHT LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES (LIAS) TO DELIVER EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING (EBHV) SERVICES IN AT-RISK COMMUNITIES USING THE NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP AND PARENTS AS TEACHERS MODELS. EFFORTS ARE ALSO UNDERWAY TO FUND A NINTH LIA IMPLEMENTING FAMILY SPIRIT. THE AT-RISK COMMUNITIES IN IDAHO FUNDED BY IHVP INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: ADA, ADAMS, BANNOCK, BEAR LAKE, BENEWAH, BINGHAM, BOISE, BONNER, BONNEVILLE, BOUNDARY, CANYON, CARIBOU, CASSIA, CLARK, CLEARWATER, CUSTER, ELMORE, FRANKLIN, FREMONT, GEM, GOODING, IDAHO, JEFFERSON, JEROME, KOOTENAI, LATAH, LEMHI, LEWIS, LINCOLN, MADISON, MINIDOKA, NEZ PERCE, ONEIDA, OWYHEE, PAYETTE, POWER, SHOSHONE, TETON, TWIN FALLS, VALLEY, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES, AS WELL AS THE COUNTIES THAT ENCOMPASS THE COEUR D’ ALENE, NEZ PERCE, AND SHOSHONE-BANNOCK TRIBAL RESERVATIONS. THE 2024 NEEDS ASSESSMENT AMENDMENT IDENTIFIED ALL 44 IDAHO COUNTIES AS COMMUNITIES IN NEED OF SERVICES. OF THOSE 44 COUNTIES, A TOTAL OF 41 WILL BE SERVED WITH MIECHV FUNDS. MUCH OF THIS EXPANSION IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE MATCHING FUNDS AVAILABLE TO IDAHO. LIAS ARE PREDICTING GROWTH OF THEIR PROGRAMS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL IDENTIFIED MIECHV COMMUNITIES. MATCHING FUNDS WILL ALSO BE USED TO IMPROVE SUPPORTS AVAILABLE TO LIAS INCLUDING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND REFLECTIVE CONSULTATION. IDAHO’S STATE GENERAL FUNDS ARE NOT CONSIDERED PART OF THE MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT AND ARE RENEWED AT A RATE OF $1,000,000 ANNUALLY. THESE FUNDS MEET MATCH REQUIREMENTS. THE TOTAL PROPOSED CASELOAD OF FAMILY SLOTS IS 417 FOR FY 2025 AND 505 FOR FY 2026. KEY ACTIVITIES TO ENSURE APPROPRIATE NETWORKING AND SUPPORT INCLUDE: REGULARLY COORDINATING AND CONVENING WITH STATE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO GUIDE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION; EVALUATION OF PROGRAM ACTIVITIES, OUTCOMES, AND IMPLEMENTATION; AND SUBRECIPIENT MONITORING VIA CHECK-IN CALLS, REPORTS, DATA ANALYSIS, AND BIENNIAL SITE VISITS.

Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - PROJECT TITLE: TENNESSEE’S MATERNAL, INFANT, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING PROGRAM FY 2024 FORMULA GRANT APPLICANT NAME: TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DIVISION OF FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLNESS ADDRESS: 710 JAMES ROBERTSON PARKWAY, ANDREW JOHNSON TOWER, 8TH FLOOR NASHVILLE, TN 37243 PROJECT DIRECTOR NAME: SARAH SANDERS, SECTION CHIEF, EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVES CONTACT INFORMATION: PHONE: 615-253-4137 EMAIL ADDRESS: SARAH.SANDERS@TN.GOV PURPOSE: THE FY 2024 MIECHV GRANT WILL ENSURE THAT TENNESSEE FAMILIES ARE SERVED WITH HIGH QUALITY HOME VISITING SERVICES PROVIDED BY AN EXPERTLY TRAINED WORKFORCE AND THAT THE EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEM IS COMPREHENSIVE AND COORDINATED AND ENSURES THAT FAMILIES ARE ENROLLED IN THE MOST APPROPRIATE SERVICES AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: GOAL 1: BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2026, ASSURE AVAILABILITY OF HIGH QUALITY EBHV SERVICES IN THIRTY-ONE OF THE MOST AT-RISK COUNTIES IN TENNESSEE. GOAL 2: BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2026, STRENGTHEN THE CAPACITY OF TENNESSEE’S HOME VISITING WORKFORCE TO EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENT HIGH-QUALITY, FAMILY-CENTERED, RESILIENCE-INFORMED, AND CULTURALLY SENSITIVE SERVICES. GOAL 3: BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2026, PROMOTE A COMPREHENSIVE, HIGH-QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEM IN TENNESSEE THAT BEGINS PRENATALLY OR AT BIRTH. GOAL 4: BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2026, MAINTAIN COORDINATION OF FAMILY SERVING TDH AND OTHER STATE AGENCY PROGRAMS TO INCREASE COORDINATION OF REFERRALS OF FAMILIES INTO EBHV SERVICES. METHODOLOGY: PLANNED PROJECT ACTIVITIES WILL RESULT IN FAMILIES BEING SERVED BY EBHV PROGRAMS IN THIRTY-ONE OF THE MOST AT-RISK COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING ONE ADDITIONAL PROJECT THAT SERVES MILITARY FAMILIES LIVING CLOSE TO FORT CAMPBELL ARMY INSTALLATION. TANF (TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES) AND STATE FUNDED EBHV PROGRAMS ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CASELOAD, BASED ON THE HRSA DEFINITION OF CASELOAD. MIECHV FUNDS SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TWO EBHV MODELS: HEALTHY FAMILIES AMERICA (HFA) AND PARENTS AS TEACHERS (PAT). THE TOTAL CASELOAD OF FAMILY SLOTS FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 - SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 IS 1,073 AND THE TOTAL CASELOAD OF FAMILY SLOTS FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 - SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 IS 1,074. TENNESSEE MAINTAINS STRONG PARTNERSHIPS WITH INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD PARTNERS AND STATE AGENCIES INVOLVED IN PERPETUATING A COLLABORATIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEM IN TENNESSEE. PARTNERS INCLUDE: THE EARLY SUCCESS COALITION IN MEMPHIS, TN; THE ASSOCIATION FOR INFANT MENTAL HEALTH IN TENNESSEE (AIMHITN); THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (TDHS); THE TENNESSEE COMMISSION ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH (TCCY); AND THE TENNESSEE YOUNG CHILD WELLNESS COUNCIL (TNYCWC, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE TCCY).

Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - PROJECT TITLE: NORTH DAKOTA MATERNAL, INFANT, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING FORMULA AWARD (NORTH DAKOTA MIECHV) PROJECT DIRECTOR NAME: ALLISON MAHONEY RECIPIENT NAME: PREVENT CHILD ABUSE NORTH DAKOTA MAILING ADDRESS: 418 E BROADWAY AVE, STE 250, BISMARCK ND, 58501 CONTACT INFORMATION: (701) 223-9052; AMAHONEY@PCAND.ORG; WWW.PCAND.ORG FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,294,162.00 ANNOTATION: THE NORTH DAKOTA MIECHV (ND MIECHV) PROGRAM PROVIDES VOLUNTARY, EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING SERVICES TO AT-RISK FAMILIES. ND MIECHV AIMS TO IMPROVE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES’ HEALTH OUTCOMES AND IMPROVE CARE COLLABORATION IN TARGETED COMMUNITIES. PREVENT CHILD ABUSE NORTH DAKOTA, ND MIECHV LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES (LIAS), AND STATEWIDE PARTNERS WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD AND STRENGTHEN TRIBAL AND STATE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, AND SERVICE REFERRAL SYSTEMS FOR FAMILIES ACROSS NORTH DAKOTA. PROBLEM: MANY NORTH DAKOTA FAMILIES LIVE IN GEOGRAPHIC AREAS WITH A LACK OF ACCESS TO MEDICAL, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, AND FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE OPTIONS. HOME VISITING PROGRAMS ALLOW FAMILIES TO DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS WITH TRAINED PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT AND MAKE SERVICE REFERRALS AND CONNECTIONS. FURTHERMORE, HOME VISITORS PROVIDE EDUCATION ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND POSITIVE PARENTING PRACTICES, EMPOWERING PARENTS, AND GUARDIANS TO INCREASE THEIR CAPACITY TO RAISE HEALTHY, HAPPY FAMILIES. PURPOSE: THE PURPOSE OF ND MIECHV IS TO CONNECT FAMILIES WITH ONE OR MORE RISK FACTORS OF POOR HEALTH OR SOCIAL OUTCOMES, LIVING IN HIGH-NEEDS AREAS, WITH TRAINED PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT IN ORDER TO MORE EASILY ACCESS MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS, PARENTING EDUCATION, AND RESOURCES TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: THE MAJOR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE NORTH DAKOTA MIECHV PROGRAM ARE AS FOLLOWS: GOAL 1: INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF MIECHV PROGRAMS TO IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVE EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING SERVICES. OBJ. 1: BY JUNE 30, 2025, ND MIECHV LIAS WILL RECEIVE AN ANNUAL REPORT DETAILING HOME VISITOR PERFORMANCE, MIECHV PERFORMANCE MEASURE PROGRESS, AND BEST PRACTICES FOR IMPROVEMENT. OBJ. 2: BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2025, SITE SUPERVISORS OF MIECHV FUNDED LIAS WILL DEVELOP AND MANAGE INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR ALL HOME VISITORS, BASED ON BIANNUAL STAFF ASSESSMENT. GOAL 2: COORDINATE WITH LOCAL, TRIBAL, STATE, AND PRIVATE STAKEHOLDERS TO ACHIEVE COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT. OBJ. 1: BY SEPTEMBER, 29,2026 ND MEICHV WILL IDENTIFY AND ADVOCATE FOR HOME VISITING PROGRAMS IN THEIR ABILITY TO BECOME REGISTERED MEDICAID-APPROVED PROVIDERS. OBJ. 2: BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2026, ND MIECHV AND THE ND HOME VISITING COALITION WILL PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON WHAT A PLAN FOR A COORDINATED REFERRAL SYSTEM FOR FAMILY-BASED SERVICES COULD LOOK LIKE WITHIN THE STATE. GOAL 3: ENSURE ACCURATE DATA COLLECTION, INTERPRETATION, AND REPORTING, AS WELL AS CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT. (CQI). OBJ. 1: BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 ND MIECHV WILL DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM LEVEL DATA REPORTING PROCESS MAP. OBJ. 2: BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 ND MIECHV LIA'S WILL MONITOR THEIR LOCAL DATA PROCESS AND ADJUST ACCORDINGLY. METHODOLOGY NORTH DAKOTA MIECHV USES TWO EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING MODELS TO SERVE 184 FAMILIES IN THE STATE. FAMILIES (90) RESIDING IN ROLETTE COUNTY, INCLUDING THE RESERVATION OF THE TURTLE MOUNTAIN BAND OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS, IMPLEMENT PARENTS AS TEACHERS CURRICULUM, AND FAMILIES(54) IN BURLEIGH, MORTON, SIOUX, AND GRANT COUNTIES RECEIVE NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP SERVICES. THE STANDING ROCK SIOUX TRIBE PROVIDES PARENTS AS TEACHERS TO THOSE RESIDING (40) IN SIOUX COUNTY. NORTH DAKOTA MIECHV PRIORITY POPULATIONS INCLUDE FAMILIES THAT ARE LOW INCOME, INCLUDE PARENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 21, HAVE A HISTORY OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT, HAVE A HISTORY OF SUBSTANCE MISUSE, USE TOBACCO PRODUCTS, AND INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY.

Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - PROJECT TITLE: FAMILY FOUNDATIONS HOME VISITING PROGRAM APPLICANT NAME: WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES MAILING ADDRESS: 201 WEST WASHINGTON AVENUE, MADISON, WI 53703 PROJECT DIRECTOR NAME: TERRI ENTERS, HOME VISITING COORDINATOR PHONE: 608-422-6969 EMAIL: TERRI2.ENTERS@WISCONSIN.GOV WEBSITE: HTTPS://DCF.WISCONSIN.GOV/CWPORTAL/HOMEVISITING ANNOTATION: WISCONSIN’S FAMILY FOUNDATIONS HOME VISITING (FFHV) PROGRAM IS LED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (DCF) AND SUPPORTED BY PARTNER AGENCIES, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES (DHS), THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION (DPI), THE WISCONSIN CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PREVENTION BOARD (CANPB), AND THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH (OCMH). THE FFHV PROGRAM PROVIDES HIGH QUALITY, EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING SERVICES WITH THE GOALS OF IMPROVING MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH AND SCHOOL READINESS AND REDUCING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT. PURPOSE: BUILDING ON PREVIOUS MIECHV FUNDS AND AVAILABLE STATE GENERAL PURPOSE REVENUE (GPR) AND TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) DOLLARS, THE FY2025 MIECHV GRANT OF $9,308,174 AND MATCHING GRANT OF $1,383,782 WILL BE USED TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE FFHV PROGRAM TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY, EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING SERVICES TO HIGH-NEED FAMILIES SUSCEPTIBLE TO POOR CHILD AND FAMILY OUTCOMES. THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING WILL BE UTILIZED TO ADD 2 STATE AWARDEE STAFF AND STABILIZING THE CURRENT HOME VISITING WORKFORCE. GOALS FOR THE FY2025 MIECHV GRANT INCLUDE: 1) BUILD ON THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF HIGH QUALITY, EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING IN AT-RISK COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING EXPANDING HOME VISITING CAPACITY TO SERVE THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF FAMILIES. 2) ENSURE HOME VISITING PROGRAMS AND STAFF STATEWIDE RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES THAT PROMOTE BEST PRACTICE AND EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY, SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION, AND BRING ABOUT MEANINGFUL PRACTICE CHANGE IN SERVING MIECHV ENROLLED FAMILIES. 3) CREATE A CULTURE OF QUALITY AND MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT OF FAMILY VOICE IN HOME VISITING, USING BENCHMARK REPORTING, CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (CQI), AND EVALUATION TO INFORM HOW HOME VISITING SERVICES ARE DELIVERED IN WISCONSIN. 4) EMBED EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING IN WELL-COORDINATED AND ROBUST STATEWIDE AND LOCAL EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEM. 5) PARTNER WITH KEY AGENCIES TO SUPPORT A COORDINATED LINKAGE AND REFERRAL NETWORK AND CONTINUUM OF EARLY CHILDHOOD AND PERINATAL SERVICES FOR FAMILIES IN ELIGIBLE COMMUNITIES. METHODOLOGY: FY2025 MIECHV GRANT FUNDS WILL SUPPORT SERVICES TO HIGH-NEED FAMILIES IN 40 COUNTIES AND 6 TRIBES THROUGH 2,172 FAMILY SLOTS IN FY2025 AND 2,172 FAMILY SLOTS IN FY2026. SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED USING FOUR EVIDENCE-BASED MODELS: HEALTHY FAMILIES AMERICA, PARENTS AS TEACHERS, EARLY HEAD START-HOME BASED, AND NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP. DCF WORKS CLOSELY WITH HOME VISITING PROGRAMS AND PARTNER AGENCIES, SUCH AS THE BIRTH TO THREE PROGRAM, TITLE V, AND WIC, TO SUPPORT ELIGIBLE FAMILIES WITH APPROPRIATE LINKAGES AND REFERRALS TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES.

Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - PROJECT TITLE: NORTH DAKOTA MATERNAL, INFANT, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING FORMULA AWARD (NORTH DAKOTA MIECHV) PROJECT DIRECTOR NAME: ALLISON MAHONEY RECIPIENT NAME: PREVENT CHILD ABUSE NORTH DAKOTA MAILING ADDRESS: 418 E BROADWAY AVE, STE 250, BISMARCK ND, 58501 CONTACT INFORMATION: (701) 223-9052; AMAHONEY@FAMILIESFLOURISH.ORG; WWW.PCAND.ORG ANNOTATION: THE NORTH DAKOTA MIECHV (ND MIECHV) PROGRAM PROVIDES VOLUNTARY, EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING SERVICES TO AT-RISK FAMILIES. ND MIECHV AIMS TO IMPROVE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES’ HEALTH OUTCOMES AND IMPROVE CARE COLLABORATION IN TARGETED COMMUNITIES. PREVENT CHILD ABUSE NORTH DAKOTA, ND MIECHV LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES (LIAS), AND STATEWIDE PARTNERS WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD AND STRENGTHEN TRIBAL AND STATE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, AND SERVICE REFERRAL SYSTEMS FOR FAMILIES ACROSS NORTH DAKOTA. PROBLEM: MANY NORTH DAKOTA FAMILIES LIVE IN GEOGRAPHIC AREAS WITH A LACK OF ACCESS TO MEDICAL, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, AND FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE OPTIONS. HOME VISITING PROGRAMS ALLOW FAMILIES TO DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS WITH TRAINED PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT AND MAKE SERVICE REFERRALS AND CONNECTIONS. FURTHERMORE, HOME VISITORS PROVIDE EDUCATION ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND POSITIVE PARENTING PRACTICES, EMPOWERING PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO INCREASE THEIR CAPACITY TO RAISE HEALTHY, HAPPY FAMILIES. PURPOSE: THE PURPOSE OF ND MIECHV IS TO CONNECT FAMILIES WITH ONE OR MORE RISK FACTORS OF POOR HEALTH OR SOCIAL OUTCOMES, LIVING IN HIGH-NEEDS AREAS, WITH TRAINED PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT IN ORDER TO MORE EASILY ACCESS MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS, PARENTING EDUCATION, AND RESOURCES TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: THE MAJOR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE NORTH DAKOTA MIECHV PROGRAM ARE AS FOLLOWS: GOAL 1: INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF MIECHV PROGRAMS TO IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVE EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING SERVICES. OBJ. 1: BY JUNE 30, 2027, ND MIECHV LIAS WILL RECEIVE AN ANNUAL REPORT DETAILING HOME VISITOR PERFORMANCE, MIECHV PERFORMANCE MEASURE PROGRESS, AND BEST PRACTICES FOR IMPROVEMENT. OBJ. 2: BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2027, SITE SUPERVISORS OF MIECHV FUNDED LIAS WILL DEVELOP AND MANAGE INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR ALL HOME VISITORS, BASED ON BIANNUAL STAFF ASSESSMENT. GOAL 2: COORDINATE WITH LOCAL, TRIBAL, STATE, AND PRIVATE STAKEHOLDERS TO ACHIEVE COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT. OBJ. 1: BY SEPTEMBER, 29,2027 ND MEICHV WILL IDENTIFY AND ADVOCATE FOR HOME VISITING PROGRAMS IN THEIR ABILITY TO BECOME REGISTERED MEDICAID-APPROVED PROVIDERS. OBJ. 2: BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2027, ND MIECHV AND THE ND HOME VISITING COALITION WILL PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON WHAT A PLAN FOR A COORDINATED REFERRAL SYSTEM FOR FAMILY-BASED SERVICES COULD LOOK LIKE WITHIN THE STATE. GOAL 3: ENSURE ACCURATE DATA COLLECTION, INTERPRETATION, AND REPORTING, AS WELL AS CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT. (CQI). OBJ. 1: BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2027 ND MIECHV WILL DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM LEVEL DATA REPORTING PROCESS MAP. OBJ. 2: BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2027 ND MIECHV LIA'S WILL MONITOR THEIR LOCAL DATA PROCESS AND ADJUST ACCORDINGLY. METHODOLOGY NORTH DAKOTA MIECHV USES TWO EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING MODELS TO SERVE 184 FAMILIES. PARENTS AS TEACHERS IS UTILIZED TO SERVE 90 FAMILIES ON THE TURTLE MOUNTAIN BAND OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS RESERVATION IN ROLETTE COUNTY AND 40 FAMILIES ON THE STANDING ROCK SIOUX TRIBE RESERVATION IN SIOUX COUNTY. NURSE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP IS UTILIZED TO SERVE 54 FAMILIES IN BURLEIGH, MORTON, SIOUX, AND GRANT COUNTY THE ADDITION OF KIDDER, LOGAN, OLIVER AND EMMONS AS A RESULT OF THE AMENDED NEEDS ASSESSMENT. NORTH DAKOTA MIECHV PRIORITY POPULATIONS INCLUDE FAMILIES THAT ARE LOW INCOME, INCLUDE PARENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 21, HAVE A HISTORY OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT, HAVE A HISTORY OF SUBSTANCE MISUSE, USE TOBACCO PRODUCTS, AND INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY.MATCHING FUNDS ARE NOT BEING REQUESTED AS THE AGENCY WAS NOT ABLE TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM A NONFEDERAL AGEN

Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - THE MATERNAL, INFANT, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING (MIECHV) PROGRAM AIMS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE FOR MOTHERS AND CHILDREN, SUPPORT POSITIVE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH OUTCOMES, AND STRENGTHEN THE HOME VISITING WORKFORCE. THIS INITIATIVE WILL INCREASE FAMILY PARTICIPATION IN EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING MODELS AND BROADEN COMMUNITY HEALTH OUTREACH IN UNDERSERVED AREAS THROUGH THE EXPANSION OF SERVICES OFFERED BY THE NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP (NFP). THE PROGRAM WILL SUPPORT INITIATIVES THAT ENHANCE RESPECTFUL AND EFFECTIVE CARE BY TRAINING STAFF TO BETTER UNDERSTAND AND RESPOND TO THE DIVERSE NEEDS OF THE INDIVIDUALS WE SERVE. WE WILL ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES MANY FAMILIES FACE INCLUDING LIMITED HEALTHCARE ACCESS, ECONOMIC HARDSHIPS, AND BARRIERS TO WELLNESS BY OFFERING COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT SERVICES DESIGNED TO PROMOTE HEALTHIER OUTCOMES FOR MOTHERS AND CHILDREN. PROBLEM: OUR COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES IN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH. THESE INCLUDE ELEVATED RATES OF PRETERM BIRTHS AND LOW BIRTH WEIGHTS, PARTICULARLY AMONG FAMILIES WITH LOWER INCOMES. WE ALSO AIM TO RESPOND TO RELATED CONCERNS SUCH AS POVERTY, SUBSTANCE USE, AND MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT MANY HOUSEHOLDS. PURPOSE: TO IMPROVE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH OUTCOMES, ENHANCE SERVICE DELIVERY, AND ENSURE ALL MOTHERS AND CHILDREN RECEIVE CONSISTENT, HIGH-QUALITY SUPPORT BY IMPLEMENTING TWO EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING MODELS—NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP (NFP) AND HEALTHY FAMILIES AMERICA (HFA)—ALONG WITH WRAPAROUND FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: GOAL: IMPROVE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE AND INCREASE ENROLLMENT IN THE NFP AND HFA PROGRAMS TO SERVE 104 FAMILIES BY 2026. OBJECTIVES: PARTNER WITH TWO ADDITIONAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO INCREASE REFERRALS. CONDUCT AT LEAST THREE INDEPENDENT OR COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY OUTREACH EVENTS ANNUALLY. PROVIDE ALL STAFF WITH TRAINING IN CULTURAL SENSITIVITY AND INCLUSIVE CARE PRACTICES WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF HIRING. EXPAND WORKFORCE CAPACITY BY RECRUITING AND TRAINING NEW HOME VISITORS WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR. OFFER COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION AND ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN QUALIFIED STAFF. APPROACH: THE PROGRAM WILL UTILIZE ELIGIBLE, EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING MODELS, INCLUDING NFP AND HFA. THE NFP MODEL SUPPORTS FIRST-TIME MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN, OFFERING SERVICES FROM PREGNANCY THROUGH THE CHILD’S SECOND BIRTHDAY. THE HFA MODEL SERVES FAMILIES EXPERIENCING CHALLENGES SUCH AS SINGLE PARENTHOOD, FINANCIAL HARDSHIP, AND HISTORIES OF TRAUMA OR ABUSE. HFA SERVICES BEGIN DURING PREGNANCY OR SHORTLY AFTER BIRTH (BEFORE THE CHILD IS THREE MONTHS OLD) AND CONTINUE UNTIL THE CHILD TURNS THREE. COMMUNITIES IDENTIFIED THROUGH THE STATEWIDE NEEDS ASSESSMENT INCLUDES LOW-INCOME FAMILIES, TEEN MOTHERS, AND THOSE AFFECTED BY SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, OR OTHER RISK FACTORS WILL BE PRIORITIZED. THE PROPOSED CASELOAD INCLUDES 104 FAMILY SLOTS IN FY26 AND 120 IN FY27. MATCHING FUNDS WILL SUPPORT THE EXPANSION OF SERVICES THROUGH THE HIRING OF ADDITIONAL STAFF AND INCREASED ENROLLMENT CAPACITY. THESE FUNDS WILL ALSO BE USED TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL FAMILY SUPPORT SUPPLIES AND HOST FAMILY ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES. STAFF DEVELOPMENT WILL BE PRIORITIZED THROUGH TRAINING PROGRAMS TO ENHANCE HOME VISITING EXPERTISE, INCLUDING MODEL-SPECIFIC TRAINING, CPR/AED/FIRST AID CERTIFICATION, AND LACTATION SUPPORT TRAINING. MATCHING FUNDS WILL FURTHER BE USED TO MAINTAIN CONTRACTS WITH BOTH NFP AND HFA. THE PROGRAM INTENDS TO UTILIZE THE FULL UNOBLIGATED MATCHING WAIVER OF $199,999 TO SUPPORT THESE EFFORTS.

NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health

ABSTRACT Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, with increasing incidence rates that underscore the pressing need for improved early detection methodologies. Existing machine learning models frequently achieve acceptable accuracy at the population level; however, they are inadequate in reliably predicting suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) across critical developmental and contextual subgroups, where biopsychosocial predictors may exhibit measurement non-invariance, potentially leading to misclassification and missed intervention opportunities. Preliminary findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study suggest that neurobiological predictors alone offer limited predictive accuracy and display variability across relevant subpopulations, thereby emphasizing the necessity of adopting a comprehensive biopsychosocial framework. This K23 proposal aims to develop a transparent, interpretable, generalizable, and developmentally sensitive machine learning model of suicide risk in youth, incorporating neurobiological, psychological, electronic health record (EHR)-derived, and social indicators. Utilizing ABCD study data from ages 9 to 18, the study will assess and address measurement non-invariance in biopsychosocial predictors across subgroups (e.g., sex, socioeconomic status, developmental stage, region, race/ethnicity) through Moderated Nonlinear Factor Analysis (Aim 1). We will then use longitudinal data extending to Year 8 to predict future STBs via interpretable machine learning techniques (i.e., Random Forest, Elastic Net, Support Vector Machines, and Extreme Gradient Boosting) (Aim 2). Finally, we will enhance model calibration and accuracy within relevant subpopulations through targeted refinements (e.g., Trans-Balance, Platt scaling, and stratified modeling), with external validation performed in the National Consortium on Alcohol and Neurodevelopment in Adolescence-Adulthood cohort (Aim 3). We will use principled approaches, including Bayesian Longitudinal Imputation via Multivariate Probabilities, Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations, and delta-adjusted sensitivity analyses to account for potential non-random missingness. All models will be constructed employing nested and forward-chaining cross-validation, adhering to preregistered protocols aligned with TRIPOD and PROBAST guidelines. To bolster clinical applicability, model performance will be evaluated across subgroups using calibration metrics (e.g., Brier score, slope) and discrimination metrics (e.g., AUC). Findings will inform translational suicide risk assessment for research and clinical settings. With institutional access to EPIC Cosmos, a federated EHR network spanning over 180 million patients, this K23 provides a scalable platform for future R01 work focused on real-world EHR-based implementation.

NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Major depressive disorder (MDD) is an epidemic, evident from its substantial global prevalence and burden, and is driving other major public health issues, including economic consequences. More than 30% of individuals living with MDD demonstrate no response to two or more antidepressant interventions and ultimately exhibit treatment resistance. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a safe, evidence-based, and non-invasive neuromodulation therapy for treatment-resistant depression. TMS utilizes electromagnetic induction to create an electric current in the brain, depolarizing cortical neurons and eliciting neurophysiological and behavioral effects. TMS works by inducing neuroplasticity, both within the stimulated cortex and its broader connected networks. However, the current efficacy rate of TMS for MDD remains up to 60%. This variability in treatment response may partially result from current clinical TMS approaches failing to incorporate the influence of brain dynamics at the time of stimulation on the neuroplastic effects and therapeutic outcomes. In line with this notion, it may be possible to reliably improve TMS response by enhancing the TMS-induced neuroplasticity through synchronizing the stimulation with ongoing neural activity. An oscillation-locked stimulation protocol delivers stimulation timed to a certain phase of an endogenous neural oscillation, which has been shown to modulate the ongoing brain activity in a more selective manner. Specifically, oscillation-locked stimulation can reliably produce opposing neuroplastic outcomes of potentiation or depression, depending on whether a pulse occurs at a negative-going or positive-going phase of a local oscillatory potential. Initial investigations and my Preliminary Data indicate that this effect is present in the human left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a critical hub in circuits governing cognitive and affective functions and the most common clinical TMS target. However, these findings have not been extensively examined, and the impact of oscillation-locked TMS on neuroplasticity has not been fully delineated. I will aim to bridge this knowledge gap by elucidating how precise, oscillation-locked TMS induces local and network neuroplasticity and by examining how these effects vary across the spectrum of depressive severity. My central hypothesis is that the phase of the ongoing oscillatory activity at the time of stimulation will differentially modulate both local (Aim 1) and network (Aim 2) neuroplasticity in adults without psychiatric diagnoses and those with MDD. This study will advance our theoretical understanding of clinically relevant neuroplasticity and investigate the potential of developing a brain state-dependent TMS protocol to effectively modulate relevant brain networks. In addition to completing the proposed research study under the Kirschstein-NRSA Fellowship, I will pursue rigorous clinical and career development activities to fulfill the requirements for my MD and PhD degrees and establish myself as an independent physician-scientist with expertise in neuromodulation.

NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health

PROJECT SUMMARY To address challenges in scaling speech-based biomarker (SBB) research and diagnostics, the applicant developed and piloted a mobile app for daily SBB capture (“Fabla”), funded by the Georgia CTSA (UL1TR002378). In alignment with NIMH priorities of identifying biomarkers of mental illness and innovations in digital health technologies, this K01 project will validate and optimize Fabla for assessing SBBs associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) in a community sample. Candidate: Dr. Kaplan is a clinical psychologist with an extensive background in ecological assessment, acquired through doctoral training and an F32 NRSA fellowship. An Assistant Professor at Emory University School of Medicine, her career aim is to lead an R01- funded program of research that develops and implements mobile SBB technologies for screening, treatment, and relapse monitoring of depression and other mental health concerns. Training: Dr. Kaplan’s career goals require additional training in technology-specific domains that are crucial for translational SBB research: technology co-design, mobile app product management and specification (including clinical ethics concerns), and expanded training in biostatistics, including paralinguistic feature analysis. Accordingly, this K01 leverages multidisciplinary training in Emory’s departments of Psychiatry, Biomedical Engineering, and Bioinformatics. Training includes formal coursework, individualized training with mentors, and structured career development support. Mentoring: This K01 adopts a co-primary mentorship model and is jointly sponsored by Wilbur Lam, MD, PhD (Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Vice Provost of Entrepreneurship, and a leader in mobile diagnostics) and Barbara Rothbaum, PhD (Professor of Psychiatry with expertise in mood disorders and mental health technology development). Co-mentors and significant contributors bring expertise in co-design (Gari Clifford, DPhil), paralinguistic analytics (Gari Clifford, DPhil and Shrikanth Narayanan, PhD), machine learning (Anant Madabhushi, MD), MDD (Boadie Dunlop, MD, MSc), and recruiting and engaging older adults (Madeleine Hackney, PhD) Research: Leveraging established research partnerships with multiple Emory clinics and active longitudinal community studies, this project recruits n=300 individuals (n=150 with MDD, n=150 psychiatrically healthy) to complete a brief voice diary using the Fabla app for 10 days. The project aims to (1) optimize Fabla for MDD screening using co-design methodology, (2) characterize Fabla-assessed SBBs and their preliminary convergent validity with published norms, and (3) evaluate predictive validity of Fabla- assessed SBBs for predicting MDD using machine learning. Products include six planned manuscripts; a structured data repository to facilitate norm development; updates to the Fabla app; and R34 and R01 grants submitted by the applicant. Environment: The candidate receives strong institutional support from the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine. The training environment includes multiple Emory/Georgia Tech health technology institutes and Emory Outpatient Psychiatry, the site for the applicant’s planned R01.

National Institutes of Health

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is intended to support mental health and/or substance abuse services research, as well as broader-based alcohol or drug abuse research in rapidly evolving areas (e.g., changes in service systems, health care financing, policy, etc) where opportunities for empirical study are, by their very natures, only available through expedited award of support. This FOA will utilize the R03 mechanism, and runs in parallel with a FOA of identical scientific scope (PAR-05-150) that solicits applications under the traditional research project grant (R01), and the Exploratory Grants for Mental Health Intervention and Services Research (R34) (PAR-06-250) mechanisms. The R03 is intended to support small research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources. The R03 is not renewable. The total amount awarded and the number of awards will depend upon the number, scientific merit, overall quality, duration, and costs of the applications received, as well as on the funds available at the participating NIH Institutes/Centers.

National Institutes of Health

This FOA is intended to support mental health and alcohol abuse services research in both public and private settings that examine rapidly evolving areas (e.g., changes in service systems, health care financing, policy, etc) where opportunities for empirical study are, by their very natures, only available through expedited award of support. This FOA will utilize the R34 grant mechanism, and runs in parallel with a FOA of identical scientific scope that solicits applications under the traditional research project grant (R01, through PAR-05-150), and the small research grant (R03, through PAR-06-249) mechanisms. Relevant to this FOA, the NIMH R34 is intended to encourage research on innovative services research that require preliminary testing or development. The total amount awarded and the number of awards will depend upon the number, scientific merit, overall quality, duration, and costs of the applications received, as well as on the funds available at the participating NIH Institutes/Centers.

NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health

PROJECT SUMMARY Acetaminophen, which is found in more than 600 prescription and non-prescription medications for mild to moderate pain and fever reduction, is not restricted to pharmacies and is sold over-the-counter in many countries, including the United States. In most populations worldwide, over 50% of pregnant people report taking acetaminophen, which easily crosses the placenta and fetal blood brain barrier, potentially affecting fetal brain development. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have traditionally viewed acetaminophen as posing minimal risks to the fetus when used as directed but have called for more rigorous studies and better safety data to inform their recommendations on how pain medicines are used during pregnancy. Accumulating evidence from epidemiologic and animal research highlights potential neurodevelopmental risks associated with prenatal acetaminophen exposure, yet limitations remain in the literature preventing regulatory agencies from assessing whether these associations are causal. Prior studies could be confounded by genetic or familial factors, and mechanisms linking acetaminophen with adverse neurodevelopment remain unknown, limiting our ability to develop targets for harm reduction. While adjusting for a robust set of genetic, environmental, and familial factors, this proposal aims to elucidate molecular mechanisms and genetic effect modifiers of associations between prenatal acetaminophen and adverse neurodevelopment. During the mentored K99 phase, I will receive training from leaders in pediatrics, child psychiatry and psychology, pharmacogenomics, metabolomics, and multi-omics. I will combine this training with my prior expertise in prenatal acetaminophen research and epidemiology to model associations of maternal blood biomarkers of acetaminophen with a broad spectrum of child neurodevelopmental outcomes, including ADHD. I will investigate genotype by prenatal acetaminophen interactions on child neurodevelopment (K99 Aim 1) and conduct a Metabolome-Wide Association Study (MWAS) of prenatal acetaminophen exposure (K99 Aim 2) in a single site study. Genetic expertise gained from the K99 training and Aim 1 will enable me to explore genotype by prenatal acetaminophen interactions in a meta-regression analysis of multiple cohorts (R00 Aim 3), which will require advanced methods accounting for heterogeneity in allelic effects by ancestry. Metabolomics and multi-omics expertise gained from the K99 training and Aim 2 will enable me to conduct MWAS in this multi-cohort setting, and employ multi-omics pathway integration to uncover biological pathways altered by prenatal acetaminophen (R00 Aim 4). Through this K99/R00 award, I will gain subject matter expertise in developmental psychopathology and molecular analytic skills in precision medicine, pharmacogenetics, metabolomics, and multi-omics. These research and training opportunities will prepare me to lead an independent lab harmonizing omics and epidemiologic approaches to study molecular mechanisms linking prenatal exposures with neurodevelopment.

NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health

PROJECT SUMMARY Oxytocin (OT) is a nine amino acid peptide synthesized almost exclusively in hypothalamic neurons of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei (SON, PVN). Despite the highly localized nature of OT synthesizing neurons, OT receptors (OTRs) are distributed widely throughout the CNS. Significant evidence indicates an important modulatory role for central oxytocinergic signaling in a wide variety of processes including fear conditioning, stress responding, anxiety-related behaviors, maternal behavior, sexual behavior, and social recognition. Oxytocinergic magnocellular neurons (OT-MCNs) in both the SON and PVN have a fascinating ability to release peptide not only from their axon terminals, but also from their dendrites. It is clear that dendritic release of OT creates a local paracrine signal within the hypothalamus and there is substantial reason to expect that OT released in this manner enters the ventricular system and ultimately fuels endogenous activation of OTRs throughout many cortical and limbic areas via volume transmission. Understanding how dendritic release is regulated is important because current efforts to therapeutically target central OTRs are hampered by low permeability of exogenous OTR agonists to the blood brain barrier, and by limited ability to deliver such agonists in a way that mimics natural concentration, kinetic, or contextual profiles. Thus, a primary goal of this project is to further advance our understanding of the mechanisms governing dendritic release of endogenous OT from the dendrites of OT-MCNs. Existing evidence suggests that there exists a complex relationship between cellular activity (action potential firing initiated in the soma), and calcium (Ca2+)- dependent dendritic release of OT into the CNS. Recently published work from our group indicates that previously unidentified dendritic osmosensors in OT-MCNs modulate dendritic conductivity, and in so doing, play an important role in regulating the relationship between somatic firing and dendritic Ca2+ influx. Aim 1 of the current proposal will build on these findings by evaluating the ability of other endogenously available signaling molecules to modulate activity-induced Ca2+ influx in OT-MCN dendrites by either increasing or decreasing dendritic conductivity, and will further determine which signaling molecules can directly modulate dendritic Ca2+ homeostasis. In Aim 2 we will map expression and explore function of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors on OT-MCN dendrites, testing the core hypothesis that activation of these receptors by ambient glutamate enhances dendritic Ca2+ influx produced by back propagating action potentials. In Aim 3 we will use novel sniffer cell technology developed by our group, as well as a new oxytocin biosensor, to directly evaluate the relationship between dendritic Ca2+ influx and dendritic release of OT. Successful completion of this work will substantially advance our understanding of the mechanisms governing dendritic release of oxytocin into the CNS, and may ultimately provide information necessary to advance new therapeutic approaches for modulation of central OTRs that seek to modulate endogenous release mechanisms, rather than to bring exogenous agonists.

NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health

ABSTRACT Schizophrenia is a complex disorder characterized by positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Antipsychotic medications, which bind to dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs), are effective at treating positive and negative symptoms. Adequate treatment for cognitive symptoms however, originating from aberrant hippocampal and prefrontal signaling, remains elusive. An emerging target in schizophrenia treatment is another member of the D2 family, the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R). Newly developed second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) functioning as D3R agonists, such as cariprazine, show signs of cognitive symptom relief. Additionally, recent work from our lab has shown differential D3R signaling among different classes of SGAs in hippocampus CA1. Despite evidence implicating D3Rs in the treatment of schizophrenia cognitive symptoms, a clear understanding of hippocampal D3R expression and function remains unclear. Here I propose that within hippocampus CA1 dopamine D3Rs are the most widely expressed D2 family receptor and are a key mediator of hippocampal network function. Moreover, I will test the central hypothesis that D3Rs are the predominant D2 family receptor affecting hippocampal circuit function and that hippocampal D3R signaling is a core cellular mechanism of antipsychotic action. The effect of SGAs targeting the D2 family of receptors is often attributed to D2R action due to limited access differentiating between D2Rs and D3Rs. New pharmacology and in-situ approaches now allow for specific characterization of D2Rs and D3Rs. My preliminary data shows that significantly more CA1 cells express D3R transcripts than D2R. This indicates that D3Rs are the dominant D2 family receptor subtype in CA1, warranting further investigation of hippocampal D3R function. Indeed, my preliminary data demonstrates D3R agonism induces significant effects on excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission within CA1. Here, we will explore how D3Rs regulate both synaptic and intrinsic features of excitability in hippocampal circuits using electrophysiological and imaging approaches. Previous work from our lab has outlined a D3R specific mechanism of SGA axon initial segment calcium modulation in CA1 pyramidal cells. This modulation provides another avenue for D3Rs to alter CA1 spiking and hippocampal output in addition to changes in CA1 synaptic transmission. The diverse array of D3R mediated CA1 synaptic and firing properties could serve as potential sites for D3R specific SGA action. We will test this hypothesis through the pursuit of three aims. Aim 1: To determine the expression profile of SGA-targeted dopamine receptors in hippocampus CA1. Aim 2: To determine the mechanism by which dopamine D3 receptors regulate hippocampus CA1 function. Aim 3: To determine how SGAs affect dopamine D3 receptor-dependent hippocampus CA1 circuitry. We expect this work to uncover the cellular mechanisms of D3R activity in CA1 and the D3R specific actions of SGA treatment. This will not only advance our understanding of hippocampal dopaminergic signaling, but delineate cellular mechanisms of SGA action informing new therapeutic targets for treating schizophrenia cognitive symptoms.

NIGMS - National Institute of General Medical Sciences

5. ABSTRACT The Alkema lab investigates how internal states and environmental cues are integrated to regulate behavior. We are particularly interested in how animals prioritize competing drives and how these behavioral choices are shaped by signals from both the nervous system and the intestine. We use C. elegans as a model because it offers a uniquely powerful combination of a defined neural circuit, robust genetic tools, optical transparency, and a simple gut-brain axis. Our work examines how the nervous system sustains stable behavioral states like foraging, while preserving the flexibility to switch rapidly into high-arousal states like escape in response to threat. We have shown that tyramine, the invertebrate analog of adrenaline, coordinates the independent motor programs of the flight response. While tyramine drives escape and arousal responses, serotonin promotes feeding and the exploitation of food resources. We are testing the hypothesis that these two neuromodulators interact through mutual inhibition, forming a dynamic switch that prioritizes behavior based on internal state and environmental context. A second major question we address is how the nervous system regulates gut physiology. We find that tyramine and serotonin produce strikingly different patterns of intestinal calcium dynamics. We are using these differences to uncover molecular mechanisms of how the nervous system modulates gut function and internal states. We have developed tools to track behavior and intestinal calcium dynamics in real time, enabling us to investigate how neural, genetic, and microbial factors regulate gut activity. We have identified novel mutants that disrupt intestinal calcium rhythms, implicating metabolic signals as key regulators of gut-brain communication. Finally, we are working to define how physiological states, such as hunger, satiety and stress, are encoded in the gut and how gut-derived signals, in turn, influence brain function. Our findings support the view that the intestine acts as a neuroendocrine organ, integrating neural, metabolic, and microbial cues to regulate the release of gut-derived peptides, including insulin-like and neuropeptides. By combining behavioral assays, genetics, metabolomics, and in vivo imaging, our lab aims to uncover molecular mechanisms by which the gut and brain coordinate internal state and adaptive behavior. Understanding how internal and behavioral states are generated and modulated is essential for defining the general principles of gut-brain communication. This research will illuminate how neuromodulatory, metabolic, and intestinal signals are integrated to shape adaptive behavior. Given the evolutionary conservation of these pathways, discoveries in C. elegans may reveal novel and broadly relevant mechanisms of brain-gut signaling that are important for human mental and physiological health.

NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health

PROJECT SUMMARY The development of functional connections between neurons that comprise the nervous system is among the most astonishing feats of animal development. Work in the last few decades has revealed some general principles of neuronal circuit formation, including the concept that targets can play an active role in attracting neuronal projections. However, this work has mostly focused on the development of sensory and motor systems, and it is unclear whether these or other principles apply to the development of neuronal circuits within the brain. We will address this question using the zebrafish, a model organism that is well-suited for neurodevelopmental studies due to its conserved yet simple vertebrate brain, transparency, accessibility for live imaging, and amenability to optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations. We will focus on hypothalamic nuclei that regulate arousal because arousal plays a critical role in many aspects of physiology and behavior, and is clinically significant for disorders such as narcolepsy, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, but we have only limited knowledge of how hypothalamic neuronal circuits form and are maintained. Zebrafish are a useful model to study hypothalamic nuclei that regulate arousal because several of these nuclei in zebrafish are anatomically, molecularly, and functionally conserved with those of mammals. In particular, we will study the 10-15 larval zebrafish hypothalamic neurons that express the neuropeptide hypocretin (Hcrt), which promote arousal in both zebrafish and mammals. In Specific Aim 1, we will use the Brainbow technique to label each Hcrt neuron with a different color and use these animals to generate anatomical maps of neuronal projections at the single neuron level. These maps will allow us to ask questions about the architecture of the Hcrt neuronal circuit at a level of detail that is unprecedented for a vertebrate animal. In Specific Aim 2, we will investigate the role of hypothalamic neuron targets in the development and maintenance of hypothalamic neuronal circuits. Specifically, we will test whether the targets of Hcrt neuron projections in the brain are necessary and/or sufficient to guide and maintain these projections. We will also test whether neuromodulators produced by these targets and/or the activity of target neurons are important for the development and maintenance of Hcrt neuron projections. We will also evaluate the effects of the perturbations in Aims 1 and 2 on behavior. Results from these experiments will shed light on the development and maintenance of projections between small but critical nuclei in the brain. If we find that development and maintenance of these projections follow principles similar to those described for sensory and motor systems, we will have laid the foundation for more extensive investigations of neuronal circuit development in the brain. If we find this is not the case, we will have established that at least some neuronal circuits in the brain develop according to principles distinct from those observed in sensory and motor systems, which will lead to new hypotheses regarding brain-specific mechanisms of neuronal circuit development.

NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The axon initial segment (AIS) governs key processes of action potential generation and neuronal polarity. The functions of AIS are often perturbed in brain conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given its prominent placement and crucial role in dynamic neuronal signaling and communication, the AIS has long been recognized as a hotspot for protein phosphorylation. However, our knowledge of the AIS-specific phospho- regulators, i.e., kinases and phosphatases, is surprisingly lacking. Without this critical information, researchers face a significant challenge in understanding how protein phosphorylation at the AIS is regulated in health and impacted in various brain conditions. In this proposal, we will identify unique protein phosphatase subunits enriched at the AIS, and uncover the distinct molecular mechanisms that recruit them to the AIS (Aim 1). We will then dissect the molecular, electrophysiological, and behavioral phenotypes associated with these subunits by experimentally perturbing their expression (Aim 2). Finally, we will investigate how AIS-enriched kinases contribute to the regulation of AIS cytoskeletal dynamics and the neuronal activity adaptation during plasticity (Aim 3). In summary, we aim to identify new mechanisms underlying the AIS enrichment of specific factors that regulate protein phosphorylation, and elucidate their distinct contributions to AIS function, neuronal signaling, and behavior. The successful completion of this project will significantly advance the field of AIS neurobiology, and provide critical insights into the pathophysiology of brain disorders related to AIS functions.

NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health

Mechanisms of Satellite Oligodendroglia-Neuron Interaction in Brain Maturation Abstract During postnatal brain maturation, neurons acquire functional properties that are essential for shaping cognitive and motor functions. Disruptions in this maturation process, whether due to injury or genetic abnormalities, are implicated in a range of neurological disorders, including autism, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy, significantly impacting quality of life. A major obstacle to developing therapies that promote or support healthy brain maturation is the limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Glial cells play a crucial role in neuronal maturation by supporting synapse formation, synaptic pruning, and axonal myelination, which are all essential for establishing functional neural circuits. Recently, using a mouse genetic Cre-LoxP system, we found that oligodendroglia transfer nuclear and ribosomal material to neurons. This process, termed oligodendroglia-neuron material transfer (ONMT), occurs in the cortex, hippocampal dentate gyrus and striatum during a critical period of neuronal maturation. We identified satellite oligodendroglia (SOL) forming nuclear pairs with receiving neurons and SOL-neuron pairs with loss of plasma membrane integrity, suggesting a possibility of direct ONMT. The role of SOL-neuron interaction and ONMT in neuronal maturation, as well as the mechanisms involved, remain largely unknown. This exploratory proposal will test the hypothesis that during brain maturation SOL transfer material to neurons through direct internuclear contact. In Aim 1, we will identify neurons receiving SOL-derived material during maturation and explore the triggers of ONMT. To achieve this, we will use spatial transcriptomics to capture single-cell transcriptional profiles of SOL-neuron nuclear pairs in both healthy developing cortex and in neuroinflammatory conditions that promote SOL-neuron interactions and ONMT. In Aim 2, we will investigate whether SOL transfer material to neurons via an internuclear mechanism. This will involve using 2-photon live imaging to track SOL migration, SOL-neuron interactions, material transfer, and SOL fate during postnatal maturation. Our study aims to uncover novel insights into the previously unrecognized process of ONMT during a critical period of neuronal maturation, paving the way for targeted therapeutic strategies to promote brain maturation in children with developmental delays.

NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health

PROJECT SUMMARY Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder with high heritability, yet the molecular mechanisms linking genetic risk to neuronal dysfunction remain poorly understood. Emerging evidence points to post- transcriptional RNA regulation, such as RNA-binding proteins like Serine/Arginine Repetitive Matrix protein 2 (SRRM2), as a critical contributor to the disease. SRRM2 is a nuclear speckle-associated splicing regulator that has been implicated in schizophrenia risk through both common and rare variant studies. However, its functional role in human neurons remains largely unexplored. This project has two main aims. The first aim is to develop a novel spatial transcriptomics platform, Spatial RNA–Protein Interactome MERFISH (SPRIM), to visualize endogenous RNA–protein interactions at subcellular resolution. SPRIM integrates antibody-guided localization, in situ tagmentation, and multiplexed RNA detection to map RNA-binding protein targets in intact cells. The second aim is to investigate the roles of SRRM2 in engineered human induced neurons. Using adeno associated based gene editing, spatial imaging, and electrophysiology, we will assess how SRRM2 heterozygous loss affects RNA splicing, transcript localization, and neuronal electrophysiological properties. This exploratory project is well aligned with the NIH R21 funding mechanism, which supports innovative research. By developing a novel spatial omic platform and applying it to dissect SRRM2 function in genetically engineered human neurons, we aim to uncover foundational principles of RNA-binding protein mediated RNA regulation in brain development and psychiatric disease.