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Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - ARKANSAS’S MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING (MIECHV) PROGRAM I. PROJECT ABSTRACT ADDRESS: ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, 4815 W MARKHAM ST, SLOT 16, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72205 PROJECT DIRECTOR: MICHAEL CONYERS, 501-661-2086, MICHAEL.CONYERS@ARKANSAS.GOV ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (ADH) WEBSITE: WWW.HEALTHY.ARKANSAS.GOV GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS REQUESTED: $9,455,628.00 PURPOSE: THE PURPOSE OF THE ARKANSAS MIECHV PROGRAM IS TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR AT-RISK CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT HOME VISITING (HV) PROGRAMS ARE EFFECTIVE IN ADDRESSING THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING NEEDS OF AT-RISK FAMILIES, PARTICULARLY IN RURAL AREAS. HOME VISITING SERVICES ARE SUPPORTED BY ONGOING TRAINING, REFLECTIVE SUPERVISION, DATA COLLECTION AND REVIEW, COORDINATED INTAKE, PROGRAM EVALUATION, CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (CQI), AND SUBRECIPIENT MONITORING. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: GOAL: MAINTAIN FUNDING FOR EXISTING LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES AND HOME VISITING MODELS. BY SEPTEMBER 2027, THE PROGRAM WILL: • INCREASE THE QUARTERLY ACTIVE ENROLLMENT FOR EACH MODEL TO 85% OF MAXIMUM SERVICE CAPACITY, • STRENGTHEN ARKANSAS'S NETWORK OF HV PROGRAMS AND THEIR INTEGRATION INTO EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS BY 20% AND, • MAINTAIN EXISTING COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND BUILD ONE NEW COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP. GOAL: PREPARE THE HV WORKFORCE BY DEVELOPING AND DELIVERING TRAINING TO HV STAFF. BY SEPTEMBER 2027, THE PROGRAM WILL: • DEVELOP TWO NEW ONLINE TRAININGS AND UPDATE ONE EXISTING ONLINE TRAINING BASED ON NEEDS ASSESSMENTS, CORE COMPETENCIES, AND EVALUATION DATA, • DEVELOP TWO NEW INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAININGS AND UPDATE TWO EXISTING TRAININGS BASED ON NEEDS ASSESSMENTS, CORE COMPETENCIES, AND EVALUATION DATA AND, • DELIVER AT LEAST 24 INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAININGS TO HOME VISITORS, SUPERVISORS, AND COORDINATORS. GOAL: CONTRIBUTE TO THE HV KNOWLEDGE BASE THROUGH COORDINATED INTAKE, CQI INITIATIVES, AND EVALUATION ACTIVITIES. BY SEPTEMBER 2027, THE PROGRAM WILL: • USE BENCHMARKS AND OTHER DATA TO SUPPORT CQI PROJECTS AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS, • DISSEMINATE FINDINGS IN PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS AND CONFERENCES AS FEASIBLE, • PARTICIPATE IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY IN NATIONAL HV ASSOCIATIONS AND COUNCILS AND, • CONDUCT RIGOROUS RESEARCH OF THE STATE'S PROMISING APPROACH, FOLLOWING BABY BACK HOME. APPROACH: HOME VISITING SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY 29 LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES (LIAS) THROUGH FOUR EVIDENCE-BASED MODELS AND ONE PROMISING APPROACH: HEALTHY FAMILIES AMERICA (HFA), HOME INSTRUCTION FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL YOUNGSTERS (HIPPY), NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP (NFP), PARENTS AS TEACHERS (PAT), AND PROMISING APPROACH-FOLLOWING BABY BACK HOME (FBBH). ARKANSAS MIECHV SERVES THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES: ARKANSAS, ASHLEY, BAXTER, BENTON, BOONE, BRADLEY, CALHOUN, CARROLL, CLARK, CLEBURNE, CLEVELAND, COLUMBIA, CONWAY, CRAIGHEAD, CRITTENDEN, CROSS, DALLAS, FAULKNER, FULTON, GARLAND, GRANT, HEMPSTEAD, HOT SPRING, HOWARD, INDEPENDENCE, IZARD, JACKSON, JEFFERSON, LAWRENCE, LEE, LINCOLN, LONOKE, MADISON, MARION, MILLER, MISSISSIPPI, MONROE, MONTGOMERY, NEVADA, NEWTON, OUACHITA, PHILLIPS, PIKE, POINSETT, POLK, PRAIRIE, PULASKI, RANDOLPH, SAINT FRANCIS, SALINE, SCOTT, SEARCY, SEBASTIAN, SHARP, STONE, UNION, VAN BUREN, WASHINGTON, AND WHITE. PROPOSED CASELOAD OF FAMILY SLOTS: OCTOBER 2025 - SEPTEMBER 2026: 1,395 OCTOBER 2026 - SEPTEMBER 2027: 1,403 NON-FEDERAL MATCHING FUNDS FOR ARKANSAS' MIECHV PROJECT WILL BE USED TO SUPPORT SERVICE DELIVERY THOUGH THE HIPPY, PAT AND HFA EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING MODELS BY FUNDING 22.75 EXISTING HOME VISITING FTE'S THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE CUT FROM THE FORMULA BUDGET AND TO SUPPLEMENT TRAVEL, QUALITY MONITORING, AND DATA COLLECTIONS COSTS. MATCH FUNDS ARE STATE GENERAL FUNDS LEGISLATIVELY APPROPRIATED TO SUPPORT HOME VISITING SERVICE DELIVERY UNDER A STATE GRANT AWARDED TO ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL BY THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ABC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GRANT.

Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - I. PROJECT ABSTRACT PROJECT TITLE: COLORADO- HRSA FY 2025 MIECHV PROGRAM: BASE AND MATCHING GRANT AWARDS APPLICANT NAME: COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD PROJECT DIRECTOR: BRITTANY MARTENS, MIECHV PROGRAM MANAGER ADDRESS: COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD 710 S. ASH ST (BUILDING C), DENVER, CO 80220 P| (303) 653-3109 F (303)-866-4453, BRITTANY.MARTENS@STATE.CO.US; HTTPS://CDEC.COLORADO.GOV ANNOTATION: COLORADO MIECHV WILL IMPLEMENT THREE EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING MODELS ACROSS ALL 64 COUNTIES IN COLORADO TO IMPROVE PARENT AND FAMILY OUTCOMES, INCLUDING DECREASES IN PRETERM BIRTH RATES AND CHILD MALTREATMENT INVESTIGATED CASES, INCREASES IN BREASTFEEDING AND PRIMARY CAREGIVER EDUCATION ATTAINMENT, AND IMPROVEMENTS IN OTHER CRUCIAL INDICATORS (AS SET BY HRSA’S MIECHV BENCHMARKS). CO MIECHV WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD STATEWIDE COLLABORATION AND SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT AND REFERRAL NETWORKS FOR HOME-VISITING PROFESSIONALS THROUGH ENHANCED OPPORTUNITIES AT ORIENTATION TRAINING. COLORADO WILL WORK TO EXPAND ACCESS TO ALL 64 COUNTIES THROUGH THE APPROVED UPDATED NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND IMPROVED CENTRALIZED INTAKE SYSTEMS; THIS WORK IS FULLY SUPPORTED THROUGH BOTH BASE AWARD AND MATCHING FUNDS. PROBLEM: COLORADO WILL CONTINUE TO RECRUIT AT-RISK FAMILIES, INCLUDING FAMILIES EXPERIENCING LOW INCOMES, LIVING IN POVERTY, LOW EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, FAMILIES IMPACTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, FAMILIES AFFECTED BY SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND FAMILIES FACING STRESSORS THAT PUT THEM AT RISK FOR PREMATURE BIRTH, LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT INFANTS, INFANT MORTALITY, POOR HEALTH, OR MALTREATMENT. PURPOSE: ENHANCE PARENT AND FAMILY OUTCOMES THROUGH EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING ACROSS 64 COUNTIES, TARGETING PRETERM BIRTH REDUCTION, BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION, CAREGIVER EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT, AND STRENGTHENING SUPPORT NETWORKS FOR PROFESSIONALS WHILE EXPANDING SERVICE ACCESS. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: SMARTIE GOAL 1: IN EVERY MONTH OF THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 – SEPTEMBER 29, 2027), PROVIDE EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING SERVICES IN 22 COLORADO COUNTIES SERVING A CASELOAD OF 1,461 FAMILIES. ? SMARTIE OBJECTIVE: EVERY MONTH OF THE PERFORMANCE PERIOD, PROVIDE EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING SERVICES IN 22 CO COUNTIES SERVING A CASELOAD OF 1,461 FAMILIES. SMARTIE GOAL 2: PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO HOME VISITORS TO IMPROVE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, RETENTION, AND SATISFACTION OF HOME-VISITING PROFESSIONALS AND LEADERS DURING THE PERFORMANCE PERIOD (SEPTEMBER 30, 2025- SEPTEMBER 29, 2027). ? SMARTIE OBJECTIVE: ENHANCE TRAINING FOR HOME VISITOR PROFESSIONALS THROUGH EIGHT ORIENTATIONS FOCUSED ON STAFF WELL-BEING AND SAFETY THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PARTNERS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, AND SEPTEMBER 29, 2027. SMARTIE GOAL 3: IMPROVE FAMILY ENGAGEMENT IN HOME VISITING SERVICES AND ASSESS THE EXPANSION OF SERVICES INTO NEW HIGH-RISK COUNTIES THROUGH AN UPDATED NEEDS ASSESSMENT. ? SMARTIE OBJECTIVE: INCREASE AVERAGE MONTHLY CASELOADS TO 80% BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, AND SEPTEMBER 29, 2027, ACROSS URBAN, RURAL, AND FRONTIER COUNTIES. APPROACH: COLORADO WILL USE EVIDENCE-BASED MODELS HIPPY, NFP, AND PAT, WITH STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES TO SERVE HIGH-RISK COMMUNITIES IDENTIFIED IN THE 2020 MIECHV NEEDS ASSESSMENT. THE TARGETED COUNTIES INCLUDE ADAMS, ALAMOSA, ARCHULETA, BACA, BENT, BOULDER, CHAFFEE, CHEYENNE, CLEAR CREEK, CONEJOS, COSTILLA, CROWLEY, CUSTER, DELTA, DENVER, DOLORES, DOUGLAS, EAGLE, EL PASO, FREMONT, GARFIELD, GILPIN, GRAND, GUNNISON, HUERFANO, JACKSON, JEFFERSON, KIOWA, LA PLATA, LAKE, LARIMER, LAS ANIMAS, LINCOLN, LOGAN, MESA, MINERAL, MOFFAT, MONTEZUMA, MONTROSE, OTERO, OURAY, PARK, PHILLIPS, PITKIN, PROWERS, PUEBLO, RIO GRANDE, ROUTT, SAGUACHE, SAN JUAN, SAN MIGUEL, SEDGWICK, SUMMIT, TELLER, WASHINGTON, AND WELD. COLORADO AIMS TO SERVE 1,461 FAMILIES IN THE FIRST YEAR AND 1,499 IN THE SECOND YEAR.

Department of Health and Human Services

MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMEVISITING GRANT PROGRAM - PROJECT ABSTRACT PROJECT TITLE: WEST VIRGINIA HOME VISITATION PROGRAM (WVHVP) APPLICANT NAME: WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (WVDH) ADDRESS: 350 CAPITOL STREET, ROOM 427, CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA 25301 PROJECT DIRECTOR: JACKIE NEWSON CONTACT PHONE #S: VOICE: (304) 414-0648 FAX: (304) 558-4984 E-MAIL ADDRESS: JACKIE.J.NEWSON@WV.GOV ANNOTATION: THE WVHVP WILL CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT A WELL-COORDINATED PROGRAM THROUGH EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING SERVICES, STATEWIDE DATA COLLECTION, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (CQI), HEALTH EQUITY PLANNING, AND A HELP ME GROW (HMG) COORDINATED INTAKE SYSTEM (CIS) THAT WILL INCLUDE A PROMISING PRACTICE MODEL, RIGHT FROM THE START PROGRAM (RFTS). PROBLEM: WEST VIRGINIA IS RURAL WITH HIGH POVERTY RATES AND MULTIPLE RISK FACTORS FOR FAMILIES INCLUDING SUBSTANCE USE, CHILDREN’S ENTRY INTO THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM AND FIRST-TIME MOMS IMPACTING MANY FAMILIES SERVED. PURPOSE: THE WVHVP IS THE LEAD PROGRAM TO COORDINATE VOLUNTARY HOME VISITING SERVICES WITH LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES (LIAS). THE INTENT IS TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR FAMILIES SERVED. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: BASED UPON 2023 BASELINE PERCENTAGES, COLLECTIVE EFFORTS BETWEEN STATE AND LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS WILL ENSURE IDENTIFIED OBJECTIVES AND GOALS REFLECT IMPROVEMENTS: 1) REDUCE DISPARITIES BY 10% IN THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF FAMILIES UTILIZING EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES IN FAMILIES SERVED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2026; 2) ENSURE IMPLEMENTATION OF HOME VISITING SERVICES THROUGH THE HMG CIS TO PROVIDE POSITIVE OUTCOMES WITH HARDER-TO-ENGAGE FAMILIES THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2026; 3) INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PRIORITY POPULATION FAMILIES SERVED THROUGH FAMILY-CENTERED APPROACHES IN THE TARGETED HIGHEST AT-RISK COUNTIES BY 10% BY SEPTEMBER 2026; 4) INCREASE HOME VISITOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, OUTREACH AND SERVICES TO FAMILIES IMPACTED BY SUBSTANCE USE, CHILD WELFARE ENTRY OR FIRST-TIME MOMS BY 10% BY SEPTEMBER 2026; AND 5) PARTICIPATE IN A RIGOROUS EVALUATION OF RFTS AS A PROMISING PRACTICE MODEL. METHODOLOGY: THE WVHVP INTENDS TO SERVE AN AVERAGE OF 1,875 FAMILIES PER YEAR WITH EFFORTS TOWARDS TARGETED INTENSIVE HOME VISITING SERVICES. WVHVP WILL PROVIDE A SOLID FRAMEWORK THROUGH USE OF IMPROVED REFERRAL PROCESSES, HEALTH EQUITY PLANNING, CQI SPECIALISTS, SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH SCREENING, LINKAGES BETWEEN MEDICAL HOME, AND THE HMG CIS. WVHVP WILL UTILIZE A PARENT ADVISORY GROUP AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO ADDRESS NEEDS IN HIGHEST RISK POCKETS OF COUNTIES SERVED. A TRANSITION TO A REGIONAL APPROACH WITH SUBRECIPIENT GRANTEES WILL STREAMLINE MONITORING AND FISCAL APPROACHES. THE USE OF HMG WILL ASSIST WITH WAITING LISTS AND AREAS WITH LIMITED HOME VISITING SERVICES. EVIDENCE-BASED MODELS TO BE USED ARE PARENTS AS TEACHERS (PAT), HEALTHY FAMILIES AMERICA (HFA), EARLY HEAD START HOME BASED OPTION (EHS), NURSE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP (NFP), AND THE MATERNAL INFANT HEALTH OUTREACH WORKER PROGRAM (MIHOW). A RIGOROUS EVALUATION OF RFTS WILL BE A PRIORITY FOCUS AND ASSIST WITH LINKING THROUGH MEDICAID FUNDING. A CONTINUUM OF CARE WILL INCLUDE COORDINATED EFFORTS BETWEEN EARLY INTERVENTION, PART C, AND CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS.

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 - PURPOSE: ARIZONA AIMS TO IMPLEMENT VOLUNTARY EVIDENCE-BASED AND EVIDENCE-INFORMED HOME VISITING PROGRAMS, DELIVERED BY TRAINED EDUCATORS, IN COMMUNITIES IDENTIFIED IN THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT, TO IMPROVE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR FAMILIES. HOME VISITING PROGRAM CONTRACTS WITH STATE AGENCIES, COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, TRIBAL NATIONS AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE FOLLOWING MODELS: FAMILY SPIRIT, HEALTHY FAMILIES, PARENTS AS TEACHERS, NURSE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP, SAFECARE AUGMENTED, MATERNAL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD SUSTAINED HOME-VISITING AND HEALTH START. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: A) SUPPORT VOLUNTARY EVIDENCE-BASED AND PROMISING APPROACH HOME VISITING PROGRAMS THAT ARE ACCESSIBLE TO ELIGIBLE FAMILIES RESULTING IN POSITIVE OUTCOMES IN AT LEAST 4 OF THE 6 BENCHMARK AREAS BY IMPLEMENTING HOME VISITING SERVICES IN AT-RISK COMMUNITIES WITH AN OVERALL CASELOAD CAPACITY OF 2,385 AND EVALUATE THE PROMISING APPROACH THROUGH AN INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION. B) IMPROVE COORDINATION AND INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE ARIZONA HOME VISITING SYSTEM TO MAXIMIZE FUNDING, SUPPORT, SERVICES AND RESOURCES FOR HOME VISITORS, SUPERVISORS AND ELIGIBLE FAMILIES BY CONVENING THE STRONG FAMILIES AZ HOME VISITING ALLIANCE; USING TECHNOLOGY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AND TRAINING TO HOME VISITORS, SUPERVISORS AND FAMILIES; COORDINATE EARLY CHILDHOOD EFFORTS AND OUTCOMES; MAINTAIN THE STATEWIDE DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM; AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY CAPACITY TO IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES. C) ENSURE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION OVERSIGHT TO MEET THE GRANT GOALS, OBJECTIVES, BUDGET AND ACTIVITIES BY MAXIMIZING HUMAN AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES; UTILIZE TOOLS TO APPROPRIATELY AND ACCURATELY TRACK ACTIVITIES AND TIMELINES; PARTICIPATE IN MEETINGS, CONFERENCES AND SEEK TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO MEET THE GRANT REQUIREMENTS AND IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF ARIZONA’S FAMILIES. APPROACH: TO ACHIEVE THE GOALS OF THIS GRANT, ARIZONA WILL: IMPLEMENT VOLUNTARY EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING PROGRAMS AND A PROMISING APPROACH MODEL IN AT-RISK COMMUNITIES WITH EFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT AND GUIDANCE; COLLECT, COMPILE AND REPORT DATA TO ENSURE THE FIDELITY OF THE MODEL BEING USED AND PROGRESS TOWARD BENCHMARKS; AND COORDINATE SERVICES ACROSS THE EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEM. DURING THIS PROJECT PERIOD THE HEALTH START PROGRAM WILL BE GOING THROUGH THE REQUEST FOR GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS THROUGH THE ARIZONA PROCUREMENT SYSTEM. ALL SERVICE AREAS ARE IDENTIFIED IN THE 2020 MIECHV NEEDS ASSESSMENT. MIECHV FUNDS ARE USED TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS IN 37 URBAN, 29 RURAL, 4 FRONTIER AND 5 TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN 25 LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES. ARIZONA’S CURRENT CASELOAD CAPACITY IS 2,385 FAMILY SLOTS. ARIZONA PROPOSES A CASELOAD CAPACITY OF 1,571 FROM SEPTEMBER 30, 2025-SEPTEMBER 29, 2027 FOR EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING MODELS. CURRENTLY, WE ARE SERVING 814 FAMILY SLOTS WITH OUR PROMISING APPROACH PROGRAM, HEALTH START. THE MATCHING FUNDS WILL BE UTILIZED TO EXTEND SERVICES DURING THE PROJECT PERIOD AND SUPPORT THE OUTREACH AND REFERRAL PROGRAM, FAMILY CONNECTS. FIRST THING FIRST IS A STATE FUNDED AGENCY DEDICATED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ADDRESS THE DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION AND HEALTH NEEDS OF CHILDREN BIRTH TO AGE FIVE. FIRST THINGS FIRST WILL PROVIDE THE NON-FEDERAL CONTRIBUTION AND MEETS THE MATCHING REQUIREMENTS TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR INDIVIDUAL FAMILIES AND CORE COMPONENTS OF THE MIECHV PROGRAM.

NIGMS - National Institute of General Medical Sciences

Project summary This proposal seeks to develop a therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment by simultaneously inhibiting cyclin- dependent kinases (CDKs) 2, 4, and 6. These kinases regulate cell cycle progression, and their dysregulation drives tumor growth and resistance to therapy. CDK4/6 inhibitors are FDA-approved for metastatic breast cancer and prolong progression-free survival; however, about 20% of patients fail to respond to these agents from the outset, and virtually all patients eventually develop resistance. A key mechanism of resistance is compensatory activation of CDK2, which bypasses CDK4/6 inhibition. Conversely, selective CDK2 inhibition alone is insufficient because CDK4/6 can substitute for CDK2 function. Simultaneous inhibition of CDK2 and CDK4/6 therefore represents a rational approach to overcome resistance and extend therapeutic benefit across cancers. Novel thiazolyl-pyrimidine compounds have been discovered and patented that selectively inhibit CDK2/4/6 while sparing essential kinases such as CDK1, CDK7, and CDK9. Unlike current CDK4/6 inhibitors, which leave CDK2 activity intact, this new class directly targets the cooperative functions of CDK2/4/6. Preliminary studies demonstrate that these compounds suppress proliferation of breast cancer and leukemia cells, indicating proof- of-concept activity. Their selectivity profile also suggests reduced toxicity compared to earlier multi-CDK inhibitors. Our central hypothesis is that the thiazolyl-pyrimidine scaffold provides a structural framework that enables selective targeting of CDK2/4/6, and that its rational multiparameter optimization leads to development candidates capable of overcoming resistance to existing CDK4/6- or CDK2-selective inhibitors and expand the therapeutic reach of CDK inhibition to cancers driven by CDK2. To test this hypothesis, aim 1 will define mechanisms of action through kinase profiling, cell viability and apoptosis assays, and resistance modeling in breast and ovarian cancer. Aim 2 will focus on medicinal chemistry to identify analogs with improved potency, selectivity, and drug-likeness and safety. Compounds will undergo in vitro biochemical characterization, cellular efficacy testing, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and toxicity evaluations. Beyond direct therapeutic impact, this work addresses a significant gap in cancer pharmacology by providing chemical probes to interrogate CDK2/4/6 biology and mechanisms of resistance. Equally important, the research will enhance the research capacity of Idaho State University, the only provider of graduate education in pharmaceutical sciences in the state, where opportunities for biomedical research are limited. The SuRE-First (R16) program will strengthen this under-resourced environment by supporting the development of next-generation CDK inhibitors while directly involving students in experimental design, laboratory assays, and data analysis. Participation in these studies will provide first-generation and rural students with hands-on training, mentorship, and dissemination opportunities at conferences, preparing them for advanced careers in biomedical science.

NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health

The onset of psychotic symptoms usually occurs in young people and 80% of those developing psychosis live in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). In LMICs, 90% of people with mental disorders are cared by families, and duration of UP is twice that in high-income countries (HICs). A longer duration of untreated psychosis (UP) is associated with poorer treatment response, high suicide rates, premature death, and greater disability and caregiver burden. No studies have examined Early Intervention Services (EIS) for young people in LMICs with new-onset, non-substance-induced, affective and non-affective UP. Coordinated Specialty Care [CSC] programs were developed in HICs to offer EIS that combines medication management and evidence- based psychosocial interventions to reduce duration of UP, symptoms, relapse, treatment discontinuation and hospitalization, and improve social and occupational functioning. Challenges to CSC programs' implementation in HICs ( e.g., inadequate community-based detection, high rates of disengagement, and scant infrastructure ) can be addressed through t echnology-based screening, community-based participatory services design, and enhanced mental health (MH) resources, all of which we are poised to apply in Mozambique, through our established partnerships, MH services infrastructure, and ongoing work. In Mozambique, the 4th poorest country in the world and with 40% of the 34 million inhabitants aged 15-24 years, psychotic disorders are the leading Since 2014, we have had a productive partnership among local and global researchers, the Mozambique Ministry of Health (MoH), providers, traditional healers, and community health committees at 64 rural primary care clinics. Together, we are implementing a novel patient-centered decision-support Mental Wellness Digital Platform (mWell) comprising (a) community-based detection with a brief, valid household screening tool, the Mental Wellness Tool (mwTool); (b) evidence-based care for common mental and substance use disorders, and suicide risk, (c) guidance for cause of inpatient admissions and the second reason for outpatient psychiatric care. diagnosis of severe mental disorders, and (d) psychotropic medication management. mWell also tracks implementation, services, and clinical outcomes. More than 1,200 community health workers (CHWs) and MH and primary care providers (PCPs) in Mozambique have adopted mWell as the new community MH “usual care” where care was absent. MH providers and PCPs use mWell's digitized diagnostic and medication decision aid to treat people with psychosis and to offer some rehabilitation services. Yet, a comprehensive evidence-based EIS program like a CSC does not exist. Our multi-sector partners in Mozambique have prioritized building capacity and integrating CSC interventions into mWell to develop and implement mWell-CSC country-wide. To respond to this critical mandate we will adapt CSC, create the digital decision-support platform mWell-CSC, develop strategies for implementation, and examine mWell-CSC implementation, services, and patient-level outcomes using a quasi-experimental design and mixed-methods evaluation to inform a future RCT.

NIGMS - National Institute of General Medical Sciences

Project Summary/Abstract: The metabolic analyzer system (MAS) with electrocardiogram (ECG) and plethysmography uses state-of-the-art technology to assess resting cardiac parameters (i.e., aortic calcification), cardiovascular (CV) and cardiopulmonary (CP) response to exercise, energy expenditure, and anaerobic power output (Wingate testing), which are common assessments in clinical and biomedical research in the field of exercise science. This system is of utmost importance in achieving the institution's mission as a student-centered, community engaged institution offering quality higher education focused on career readiness, personal, professional development, and service contributions. The system is necessary to achieve the values of our department-to be student-centric, transformational and collaborative while strengthening our exercise science, biomedical, and pre-allied health courses by providing students with invaluable hands-on training using advanced technology. The system is critical for student and faculty recruitment and retention providing unique opportunities for clinical applications and research. The practical and applied training using advanced instrumentation better prepares students for careers in clinical exercise science and related biomedical fields by removing barriers to their academic preparation. Students will gain skills in CV assessment, exercise stress testing, and metabolic analyses offering them a competitive edge in the job market by accumulating hours of hands-on, clinical grade experience, setting them apart from other students in other programs. Additionally, the MAS will strengthen the opportunities for research collaborations across our university and with community partners by providing increased opportunities for transformative research in allied health, exercise science, and health assessments. This MAS is needed for interdisciplinary collaborations among students, faculty, staff, and professionals from various fields {e.g., allied health and behavioral sciences), allowing for partnerships with external institutions, including hospitals, clinics, and neighboring universities by providing assessments and research collaborations. Also, this system is critical for our continued commitment to biomedical research focused on allied health by providing assessments to the underserved members of our rural community, veterans, first responders, and student athletes by testing efficiency of caloric output, power production, and CV/CP functioning. This MAS will directly prepare these students for careers in exercise physiology and/or clinical exercise physiology as these concepts are taught in many of the upper-level and graduate courses in their degrees. This hands-on training with clinical-grade instrumentation will prepare our students for better internship experiences in hospitals, cardiac rehabilitation centers, and clinical exercise physiology facilities, making them more competitive candidates and enhancing their ability to contribute meaningfully to patient care during their clinical rotations. Additionally, this instrumentation is needed for students preparing for their ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologistse exams and for pursuing accreditation of our degrees in this field.

MI Dept of Agriculture & Rural Development

Grants for specialty crops, food safety, and rural economic development.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

MDARD provides grants to farmers, agribusinesses, food banks, and rural organizations for agricultural development, local food systems, food safety, and rural community economic development across Michigan.

NCI - National Cancer Institute

Title: Microfluidic Isolation and Deep Learning-based Profiling of Subtypes of Circulating Tumor Cells during Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Project Summary/Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are highly heterogeneous and contain many cellular subpopulations. It is known that specific CTC subpopulations, rather than the whole, are responsible for cancer metastases. Recently, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of adherent epithelial cells to a migratory mesenchymal state has been implicated in tumor metastasis. CTCs isolated from cancer patients exhibit dynamic changes in epithelial and mesenchymal composition, and serial CTC monitoring in those patients suggested an association of EMT in CTCs. Emerging microfluidic technologies have shown great promise for the complete capture of the CTCs population with high yield and enhanced purity. However, most existing devices simply isolate all CTCs in blood without resolving them into distinct subpopulations: isolation of CTC populations with specific EMT markers remains a significant challenge. Consequently, epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity of CTCs during cancer progression is largely unknown, preventing researchers from acquiring true insights into the metastatic potential of CTCs. In the R15 project, we propose to develop the HU microchip platform for isolation and profiling of CTCs in pre-clinical settings, with the focus on detecting and understanding features associated with CTC subtypes during the course (or intermediate states) of EMT. To do so, we will isolate CTCs and explore deep learningbased profiling platforms using both micro and nanometer-scale features found from microscope images obtained from our HU microfluidic devices. This is expected to achieve super-high accuracy for profiling CTC subtypes with varied cell plasticity (i.e., more “epithelial” or more “mesenchymal” type). Building on the success of this project, we expect to develop an integrated system comprising 1) a user-friendly HU microchip for highly efficient isolation of CTCs from blood samples, and 2) an AI-based image analysis platform that can identify CTC subtypes for monitoring cancer progression and support cancer diagnosis and treatment. CTCs with defined EMT stages generated from the NSG mouse model will used to provide critical ground-truth information for validation of the proposed AI model, which cannot be accomplished using other alterative models. This project is strongly integrated with an educational plan to expose undergraduates to advanced experiments in the areas of biomedical engineering and cancer research. It is our belief that involving all students in cutting-edge research will have a significant positive impact on attracting and retaining students in science and healthcare fields. In this grant, we will provide research opportunities for 6 undergraduate students and 1 graduate to learn advanced knowledge on cancer biology, obtain hands-on experience in microfabrication and biological assays. Texas Tech University (TTU) is located in Lubbock, a rural area in northwestern Texas and TTU has been classified as "Tier 1" status in 2016. Due to historical and geographical reasons, life sciences research is not a strength for TTU, and TTU is not a recipient of major NIH grants. This R15 grant will strengthen our research and training at TTU and help us to reach our goal to be one of the best bioengineering programs in Texas.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The MDA provides grants to farmers, food system organizations, and rural communities for sustainable agriculture, local food systems, beginning farmer support, agricultural marketing, and rural economic development across Minnesota.

Montana Department of Commerce

The Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund provides grants and loans to Montana communities for infrastructure and economic development projects that create or retain jobs, with priority given to projects in rural and distressed areas.

NCI - National Cancer Institute

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The long-term objective of this K99/R00 application is to develop Dr. Kelsey Day’s ability to become a leader in community-based physical activity research and cancer prevention, particularly through the development of sustainable, multilevel, and participatory solutions. In the K99 phase of the project, Dr. Day will receive support in meeting four training objectives that will facilitate her transition to an independent investigator and expand her knowledge in key content areas that are highly relevant to her long-term career goals. First, she will expand her knowledge of text message and mHealth intervention approaches to increasing physical activity. Second, she will learn how to analyze objective device-measured physical activity data. Third, she will gain theoretical and practical knowledge of community based participatory research methodology. Finally, Dr. Day will obtain advanced training in qualitative research methods. In the K99 phase, Dr. Day will also initiate the research aims of a multilevel, faith-based project focused on physical activity. In Aim 1, she will use a participatory design process to convene focus groups of rural church members to adapt a rural physical activity text message intervention with spiritual content and tailored physical activity feedback. Concurrently, in Aim 2, she will conduct workshops with leaders from rural churches who are paired with a leader from their local Parks and Recreation departments to: 1) establish partnerships; 2) use a participatory approach to adapt evidence-based intervention strategies to increase physical activity; 3) determine barriers and facilitators to the selected strategies within the church/Parks partnership. In Aim 3 (R00 phase), Dr. Day will deliver the multilevel intervention (individual text message intervention, plus church/Parks strategies) to a pilot group of rural churches to evaluate feasibility indicators, including: limited efficacy (changes in Fitbit-measured physical activity among rural churchgoers); acceptability; implementation; and demand. The proposed research seeks to address critical rural health disparities and to promote rural cancer prevention by increasing physical activity opportunities and capacity through a sustainable, multilevel approach. The project is consistent with the NCI’s mission of conducting cancer research that helps individuals across the country live longer and healthier lives, as well as the NCI’s strategic focus on rural cancer disparities. Dr. Day proposes to pursue these training objectives and begin the proposed research aims with the support of the University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Department of Public Health Sciences in the University of Virginia School of Medicine. This environment offers an optimal setting, including research support and resources, to assist her in reaching her training and research objectives.

National Association of Development Organizations

Rural transportation planning and infrastructure development

NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The NC Department of Agriculture provides grants to farmers, agribusinesses, food banks, and rural organizations for agricultural development, food system infrastructure, farmland preservation, and rural community support.

NC Department of Commerce

The NC Department of Commerce funds rural economic development initiatives, community infrastructure, business recruitment, and job creation programs targeting economically distressed counties across North Carolina.

Nevada Arts Council

Community Arts Development grants fund projects that bring arts programming to underserved Nevada communities, including rural areas and tribal communities, promoting cultural expression and community engagement through the arts.

New Jersey Department of Agriculture

The NJDA provides grants to farmers, agricultural organizations, and rural communities for farmland preservation, agricultural development, food access programs, and rural economic development across New Jersey.

National Institutes of Health

<p>The National Institutes of Health (NIH), including all of its Institutes and Centers, plans to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity inviting eligible colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations to apply for the NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH) program. The REACH program helps move promising biomedical discoveries from academic research into real-world products that can improve patient care and public health. Through this opportunity, NIH plans to fund five new academic entrepreneurship hubs. These hubs will support researchers by providing early-stage funding, technical and business resources, and mentorship in product development and commercialization. The hubs will focus on high-priority technologies that align with NIH's mission. Together, the funded hubs will form a technology development consortium that will help:&nbsp;</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="ed7d2100d9bf9eb48afb719347737fab1">Identify the most promising academic biomedical technologies;&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e6e3acaab53a721386cc76ffdefd30d70">Fund early product-development work, such as feasibility studies, prototypes, and proof-of-concept studies;&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="ea4e72475d4678632a5a97fa4a5ece584">Provide access to expertise in science, regulation, reimbursement, business, law, and project management; and&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="eea08286aaf488a22a4658bc3aec1d0c2">Offer entrepreneurship training and hands-on commercialization experience.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Public-private partnerships and non-federal matching funding will be important to the program's success. The five awardees will build on lessons learned from previous REACH hubs and support the goals of the Phase 0 Proof of Concept Partnership pilot program, as authorized by the 2011 SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act (P.L. 112-81 Section 5127) and extended through fiscal year 2031 under the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (P.L. 119-83). The REACH program also supports federal research and development priorities, including preparing the 21st-century workforce, moving technologies from the lab to the marketplace, strengthening partnerships among government, industry, and academia, and addressing local health needs, particularly in medically underserved and/or rural areas.</p><p>Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects.&nbsp;</p>

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA

<p>The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is committed to addressing a wide range of occupational health and safety hazards affecting those who work in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AgFF) sector. Children and adolescents ("youth") are consistently more likely to be fatally injured working in agriculture compared to other industries. While many steps have been taken to prevent youth injuries in AgFF work, there remains a need for a consistent national program to study and improve their safety, health, and well-being.</p><p>This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) will support a National Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Childhood Agricultural Injury and Illness ("the National Children's Center"). The National Children's Center will engage in high-quality research, education, outreach, and effective translation of scientific discoveries into practice for the benefit of youth living and working in AgFF communities.&nbsp;</p><p>The activities of the National Children's Center will:&nbsp;</p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li data-list-item-id="e84c34bda1fe7e9e66432f6f4ef23a740">Improve the collection and analysis of injury, illness, and fatality data for youth working and living in AgFF environments.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e7fb42c88526ca72ec9b69a26a78c7c8c">Enhance research and practice to identify and address gaps in the evidence base for youth workers across AgFF communities, and especially those in rural areas.</li><li data-list-item-id="e2036c7a2d56bea4a951f22dd5d1c355e">Engage in comprehensive intervention and implementation studies to improve AgFF youth safety, health, and well-being.</li><li data-list-item-id="e6adf4fd809a76db334a03ec152e17141">Evaluate the use of technology, including AI and automation, to mitigate workplace hazards and improve health outcomes for AgFF youth.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e47ccbcb3d74bd7162ed19e3b84594ea8">Expand outreach and collaboration at the local, regional, and national level to disseminate information and best practices.</li></ul><p>The National Children's Center works closely with NIOSH AgFF program leadership; other NIOSH Centers for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Safety and Health; NIOSH intramural scientists (when applicable); academic and research partners; industry and community groups; and other organizations to advance research integration, inform best practices, and develop effective worksite solutions for youth and families working and living in AgFF environments across the U.S. The Center should clearly demonstrate capacity to maintain a national scope for research, implementation, dissemination, and related activities.&nbsp;</p>

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is committed to addressing a wide range of occupational health and safety hazards affecting those who work in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AgFF) sector. Children and adolescents ("youth") are consistently more likely to be fatally injured working in agriculture compared to other industries. While many steps have been taken to prevent youth injuries in AgFF work, there remains a need for a consistent national program to study and improve their safety, health, and well-being.This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) will support a National Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Childhood Agricultural Injury and Illness ("the National Children's Center"). The National Children's Center will engage in high-quality research, education, outreach, and effective translation of scientific discoveries into practice for the benefit of youth living and working in AgFF communities.The activities of the National Children's Center will:Improve the collection and analysis of injury, illness, and fatality data for youth working and living in AgFF environments.Enhance research and practice to identify and address gaps in the evidence base for youth workers across AgFF communities, and especially those in rural areas.Engage in comprehensive intervention and implementation studies to improve AgFF youth safety, health, and well-being.Evaluate the use of technology, including AI and automation, to mitigate workplace hazards and improve health outcomes for AgFF youth.Expand outreach and collaboration at the local, regional, and national level to disseminate information and best practices.The National Children's Center works closely with NIOSH AgFF program leadership; other NIOSH Centers for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Safety and Health; NIOSH intramural scientists (when applicable); academic and research partners; industry and community groups; and other organizations to advance research integration, inform best practices, and develop effective worksite solutions for youth and families working and living in AgFF environments across the U.S. The Center should clearly demonstrate capacity to maintain a national scope for research, implementation, dissemination, and related activities.

Education Department

The Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is soliciting applications in support of the administration of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)--Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program (RPED), Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.116W, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

Health and Human Services Department

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program--Behavioral Health Care Technical Assistance (RCORP-TA) strengthens, through technical assistance, rural organizations' capacity to develop multi- sector consortia that can plan, implement, and sustain programs that improve access to and quality of behavioral health care services, including substance use disorder/opioid use disorder services. This funded extension extends RCORP-TA's one cooperative agreement award recipient from cohort fiscal year 2022, HRSA-22-064, for a one-time 1- year period (September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027). The current recipient, JBS International, Inc (U6BRH32364) was funded for a 4-year period of performance (September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2026).