[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 244 (Wednesday, December 21, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-31315]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: December 21, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service

 

Cooperative Agreement With the National Medical Association

    The office of Minority Health (OMH), Office of the Assistant 
Secretary for Health, PHS, announces that it will enter into a 
cooperative agreement with the National Medical Association (NMA). This 
cooperative agreement will establish the broad programmatic framework 
within which specific projects can be funded as they are identified 
during the project period.
    The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to (1) increase the 
association's support for and assistance in increasing the proportion 
of practicing minority health professionals within the U.S.; and (2) 
assist the association in expanding and enhancing its health 
prevention, promotion, and health services research opportunities, with 
the ultimate goal of improving the health status of minorities and 
disadvantaged people. The OMH will provide consultation, 
administrative, and technical assistance as needed for the execution 
and evaluation of all aspects of this cooperative agreement. The OMH 
will also participate and collaborate with the awardee in any workshops 
or symposia to exchange current information, opinions, and research 
findings.

Authorizing Legislation

    This cooperative agreement is authorized under the grant-making 
authorities of the Office of Minority Health. Refer to Section 1707 
(d)(1) of the Public Health Service Act, as amended by Public Law 101-
527.

Background

    Assistance will be provided only to NMA. No other applications are 
solicited. NMA is the only organization capable of administering this 
cooperative agreement because it is the only organization that has:

    1. Developed and expanded an infrastructure to coordinate and 
implement various medical education programs within local 
communities and physician groups that deal extensively with African 
American health issues. The association has also established 
regional, state, and local divisions which provide a foundation upon 
which to develop, promote, and conduct professional medical programs 
which are aimed toward preventing and reducing unnecessary morbidity 
and mortality rates among African Americans, as well as other 
minority populations.
    2. Established itself and its members as an organization with 
professionals who serve as leaders and experts in public health 
campaigns aimed at improving the health status of minority 
populations.
    3. Developed an extensive knowledge-base of essential disease 
prevention, health promotion, and research evaluation strategies 
that are necessary for any health intervention dealing with these 
minority populations, with particular understanding of African 
Americans.
    4. Assessed the current education, research and disease 
prevention and health promotion activities for its members, 
affiliated groups, and represented subpopulations.
    5. Developed a national organization whose members are all 
predominantly minority health professionals and providers with 
excellent professional performance records.
    6. Developed a knowledge-base of critical knowledge, skills, and 
abilities related to instruction in medical and health professional 
preparation. Through the collective efforts of its members, the 
organization's committees, sponsored research, and sponsored health 
education and prevention programs, the NMA has demonstrated (1) the 
ability to work with academic institutions and official health 
agencies on mutual education, service, and research endeavors 
relating to the goal of disease prevention and health promotion of 
minorities and disadvantaged peoples, (2) the leadership necessary 
to attract minority health professionals into public health careers, 
and (3) the leadership needed to effectively promote health 
professional careers to minorities and disadvantaged peoples who 
would otherwise not consider such a career path.

    This cooperative agreement will be awarded in FY 1995 for a 12-
month budget period within a project period of 5 years. Continuation 
awards within the project period will be made on the basis of 
satisfactory progress and the availability of funds.

Where To Obtain Additional Information

    If you are interested in obtaining additional information regarding 
this project, please contact Dr. Clay E. Simpson, Office of Minority 
Health, Public Health Service, 5515 Security Lane, Suite 1000, 
Rockville, Maryland 20852, telephone (301) 443-5084.
Audrey F. Manley,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health.
[FR Doc. 94-31315 Filed 12-20-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-17-M