[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 225 (Friday, November 21, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62318-62320]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-30565]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of the Secretary


Office of Minority Health; Availability of Funds for Grants for 
the Minority Community Health Coalition Demonstration Program

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Office of Minority Health.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and request for applications 
for the Minority Community Health Coalition Demonstration Grant 
Program.

Authority

    This program is authorized under section 1707(d)(1) of the Public 
Health Service Act, as amended by Public Law 101-527, the Disadvantaged 
Minority Improvement Act of 1990.

Purpose

    The purpose of this Fiscal Year 1998 Minority Community Health 
Coalition Demonstration Program is to issue grants to improve the 
health status of targeted minority populations through health promotion 
and disease risk reduction intervention programs. This program is 
intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of community-based coalitions 
in:
    (1) Developing, implementing and conducting demonstration projects 
which coordinate integrated community-based screening and outreach 
services, and include linkages for access and treatment to minorities 
in high-risk, low-income communities; and
    (2) Addressing sociocultural and linguistic barriers to health 
care.
    The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the 
health promotion and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 
2000, a PHS-led national activity to reduce morbidity and mortality and 
to improve the quality of life. Potential applicants may obtain a copy 
of the Healthy People 2000 (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or 
Healthy People 2000 Midcourse Review and 1995 Revisions (Stock No. 017-
001-00526-6) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government 
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402-9325 or telephone (202) 783-
8238.

Background

    This program is based on the hypothesis that the community 
coalition approach to health promotion and risk reduction can be 
effective in reaching minority target populations--especially those 
most at risk or hard to reach. Among the merits of using coalitions is 
the higher likelihood that: (1) the intervention will be culturally 
sensitive, credible and more acceptable to the target population; (2) 
the project will address the health problem(s) within the context of 
related socio-economic issues; and (3) the effort will contribute to 
overall community empowerment by strengthening indigenous leadership 
and organizations. The OMH is continuing, through this announcement, to 
promote the utilization of community coalitions to develop and 
implement health promotion/disease risk reduction programs.
    In FY 1998 the Minority Community Health Coalition Demonstration 
Program continues to focus on health problem areas identified in the 
1995 OMH Report to Congress. These health areas are commonly referred 
to as the ``7+4'' health issue areas: (1) cancer; (2) cardiovascular 
disease and stroke; (3) chemical dependency; (4) diabetes; (5) 
homicide, suicide and unintentional injuries; (6) infant mortality; and 
(7) HIV/AIDS; plus, access to health care; health professions personnel 
development; improved data collection and analysis; and cultural 
competency. Flexibility for communities to define their own health 
problem priorities (e.g., asthma, sexually transmitted diseases [STDs], 
tuberculosis, female genital mutilation, immunization and tobacco use) 
is also encouraged.

Eligible Applicants

    Public and private, nonprofit minority community-based 
organizations which represent an established community coalition of at 
least three discrete organizations. (See Definitions of Minority 
Community-Based Organizations and Community Coalition found in this 
announcement.) The minority community-based organization will: serve as 
the lead agency for the grant; be responsible for management of the 
project; and serve as the fiscal agent for the Federal grant awarded. 
The coalition must include a health care facility such as a community 
health center, migrant health center, health department or medical 
center to provide follow-up treatment services. The coalition 
membership must be documented as specified under the project 
requirements described in this announcement.
    National organizations are not eligible to apply, however, local 
affiliates of such organizations which meet the definition of minority 
community-based organization are eligible. Currently funded OMH 
Bilingual/Bicultural Service Demonstration Program (Managed Care) 
grantees are not eligible to apply. Organizations are not eligible to 
receive funding from more than one OMH grant program.

Deadline

    To receive consideration, grant applications must be received by 
the Office of Minority Health (OMH) Grants Management Office by January 
20, 1998. Applications will be considered as meeting the deadline if 
they are: (1) received on or before the deadline date, or (2) 
postmarked on or before the deadline date and received in time for 
orderly processing. A legibly dated receipt from a commercial carrier 
or U.S. Postal Service will be accepted in lieu of a postmark. Private 
metered postmarks will not be accepted as proof of timely mailing. 
Applications submitted by facsimile transmission (FAX) or any other 
electronic format will not be accepted. Applications which do not meet 
the deadline will be considered late and will be returned to the 
applicant unread.

Addresses/Contacts

    Applications must be prepared using Form PHS 5161-1 (Revised July 
1992 and approved by OMB under control Number 0937-0189). Application 
kits and technical assistance on budget and business aspects of the 
application may be obtained from Ms. Carolyn A. Williams, Grants 
Management Officer, Division of Management Operations, Office of 
Minority Health, Rockwall II Building, Suite 1000, 5515 Security Lane, 
Rockville, MD 20852, telephone (301) 594-0758. Completed applications 
are to be submitted to the same address.
    Questions regarding programmatic information and/or requests for 
technical assistance in the preparation of grant applications should be 
directed to Ms. Cynthia H. Amis, Director, Division of Program 
Operations, Office of Minority Health, Rockwall II Building, Suite 
1000, 5515 Security Lane, Rockville, MD 20852, telephone (301) 594-
0769.
    Technical assistance is also available through the OMH Regional 
Minority Health Consultants (RMHCs). A listing

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of the RMHCs and how they may be contacted will be provided in the 
grant application kit. Additionally, applicants can contact the OMH 
Resource Center (OMH-RC) at 1-800-444-6472 for health information.

Availiability of Funds

    Approximately $2.5 million is expected to be available for award in 
FY 1998. It is projected that awards of up to $150,000 total costs 
(direct and indirect) for a 12 month period will be made to 
approximately 16 to 18 competing applicants. Of the total amount 
obligated, at least $750,000 will be awarded to projects that include 
HIV/AIDS as one of the targeted health problem areas.

Period of Support

    The start date for the Minority Community Health Coalition 
Demonstration Program grants is July 1, 1998. Support may be requested 
for a total project period not to exceed 3 years. Noncompeting 
continuation awards of up to $150,000 will be made subject to 
satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

Project Requirements

    Each applicant to this demonstration grant program must:
    (1) Address at least one, but no more than three (3) health problem 
areas which significantly impact the local targeted community. At least 
one must be from Part A (``7+4'') of the definition of health problem 
area found in this announcement.
    (2) Have an established coalition capable of ensuring that the 
target population is provided with a continuum of appropriate health 
care services and support. The coalition must have the capacity to plan 
and coordinate services which reduce existing sociocultural and/or 
linguistic barriers to health care and carry out screening, outreach 
and enabling services to ensure that clients follow up with treatment 
and treatment referrals.
    (3) Detail/specify the roles and resources that each coalition 
member will bring to the project, and state the duration and terms of 
the agreement, as confirmed by a signed agreement between the applicant 
organization and each coalition member. The document must be signed by 
individuals with the authority to represent the organization (e.g., 
president, chief executive officer, executive director).

Use of Grant Funds

    Budgets of up to $150,000 total cost (direct and indirect) per year 
may be requested to cover costs of: personnel, consultants, supplies 
(including screening and outreach supplies), equipment, and grant 
related travel. Funds may not be used for medical treatment, 
construction, building alterations, or renovations. All budget requests 
must be fully justified in terms of the proposed goals and objectives 
and include a computational explanation of how costs were determined.

Criteria for Evaluating Applications

Review of Application

    Applications will be screened upon receipt. Those that are judged 
to be incomplete, nonresponsive to the announcement or nonconforming 
will be returned without comment. Each organization may submit no more 
than one proposal under this announcement. If an organization submits 
more than one proposal, all will be deemed ineligible and returned 
without comment. Accepted applications will be reviewed for technical 
merit in accordance with PHS policies. Applications will be evaluated 
by an Objective Review Panel chosen for their expertise in minority 
health, experience relevant to this program, and their understanding 
and knowledge of the health problems and risk factors confronting 
racial and ethnic minorities in the United States.
    Applications are advised to pay close attention to the specific 
program guidelines and general instructions provided in the application 
kit.

Application Review Criteria

    The technical review of applications will consider the following 
generic factors, which are listed in descending order of priority.
Factor 1: Methodology (35%)
    Appropriateness of proposed approach and specific activities for 
each objective. Logic and sequencing of the planned approaches in 
relation to the objectives and program evaluation. Extent to which the 
applicant demonstrates access to the target population. Soundness of 
the established linkages.
Factor 2: Evaluation (20%)
    Thoroughness, feasibility and appropriateness of the evaluation 
design, and data collection and analysis procedures. Potential for 
replication of the project for similar target populations and 
communities.
Factor 3: Background (15%)
    Adequacy of demonstrated knowledge of the problem at the local 
level; demonstrated need within the proposed community and target 
population; demonstrated support and established linkages in order to 
conduct proposed model; and extent and documented outcome of past 
efforts/activities with the target population.
Factor 4: Goals and Objectives (15%)
    Merit of the objectives, their relevance to the program purpose and 
stated problem, and their attainability in the stated time frames.
Factor 5: Management Plan (15%)
    Applicant organization's capability to manage and evaluate the 
project as determined by: the qualifications of proposed staff or 
requirements for ``to be hired'' staff; proposed staff level of effort; 
management experience of the lead agency; and experience of each 
coalition member as it relates to its defined roles and the project.

Award Criteria

    Funding decisions will be determined by the Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Minority Health, Office of Minority Health and will take 
under consideration: recommendations/ratings of the review panels; 
geographic and racial/ethnic distribution; and health problem areas 
having the greatest impact on minority populations. Consideration will 
also be given to projects proposed to be implemented in Empowerment 
Zones and Enterprise Communities.

Definitions

    For purposes of this grant announcement, the following definitions 
are provided:
    Community-Based Organization--Public and private, non-profit 
organizations which are representative of communities or significant 
segments of communities, and which address health and human services.
    Community Coalition--At least three (3) discrete organizations and 
institutions in a community which on specific community concerns, 
resolution of those concerns through a formalized relationship 
documented by written memoranda of understanding/agreement signed by 
individuals with the authority to represent the organizations (e.g., 
president, chief executive officer, executive director).
    Cultural Competency--A set of interpersonal skills that allow 
individuals to increase their understanding and appreciation of 
cultural differences and similarities within, among and between groups. 
This requires a willingness and ability to draw on community-based 
values, traditions and customs, and to work with knowledgeable persons 
of and

[[Page 62320]]

from the community in developing focused interventions, communications 
and other supports. (Orlandi, Mario A., 1992)
    Health Care Facility--A public nonprofit facility that has an 
established record for providing comprehensive health care services to 
a targeted, racial/ethnic minority community. Facilities providing only 
screening and referral activities are not included in this definition. 
A health care facility may be a hospital, outpatient medical facility, 
community health center, migrant health center, or a mental health 
center.
    Health Problem Area--(a) One of the ``7 + 4'' health areas: cancer, 
cardiovascular disease and stroke; chemical dependency; diabetes; 
homicide, suicide and unintentional injuries; infant mortality; HIV/
AIDS; access to health care; health professional personnel development; 
improved data collection and analysis; and cultural competency; or (b) 
a disease or health condition which has a demonstrated impact on 
morbidity rates among the minority population, for example, asthma, 
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), tuberculosis, female genital 
mutilation, immunization and tobacco use.
    Intervention--A combination of clinical preventive services (e.g., 
blood pressure screening), information dissemination, environmental 
modifications, educational activities, and coordinated networking 
activities among health and human service related programs (e.g., 
referral for child care services, job placement, literacy programs) 
designed to alter or modify a condition or outcome, or to change 
behavior to reduce the likelihood of a preventable health problem 
occurring or progressing further.
    Minority Community-Based Organizations--Public and private 
nonprofit community-based minority organization or a local affiliate of 
a national minority organization that has: a governing board composed 
of 51 percent or more racial/ethnic minority members, a significant 
number of minorities in key program positions, and an established 
record of service to a racial/ethnic minority community.
    Minority Populations--American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, 
Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Native Hawaiian or 
Other Pacific Islander. (OMB Statistical Policy Directive No. 15)
    Risk Factor--The environmental and behavioral influences capable of 
causing ill health with or without predisposition.
    Sociocultural Barriers--Policies, practices, behaviors and beliefs 
that create obstacles to health care access and service delivery (e.g., 
immunization requirements, cultural differences between individuals and 
institutions, cultural differences of beliefs about health and illness, 
customs and lifestyles, cultural differences in languages or nonverbal 
communication styles).

Reporting and Other Requirements

General Reporting Requirements

    A successful applicant under this notice will submit: (1) semi-
annual progress reports; (2) an annual Financial Status Report; and (3) 
a final progress report and Financial Status Report in the format 
established by the Office of Minority Health, in accordance with 
provisions of the general regulations which apply under CFR 74.50-
74.52, with the exception of State and local governments to which 45 
CFR Part 92, Subpart C reporting requirements apply.

Provision of Smoke-Free Workplace and Non-Use of Tobacco Products by 
Recipients of PHS Grants

    The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant recipients 
to provide a smoke-free workplace and to promote the non-use of all 
tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act 
of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any 
portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, 
day care, health care or early childhood development services are 
provided to children.

Public Health System Reporting Requirements

    This program is subject to Public Health Systems Reporting 
Requirements. Under these requirements, a community-based 
nongovernmental applicant must prepare and submit a Public Health 
System Impact Statement (PHSIS). The PHSIS is intended to provide 
information to State and local health officials to keep them apprised 
of proposed health services grant applications submitted by community-
based organizations within their jurisdictions.
    Community-based nongovernmental applicants are required to submit, 
no later than the Federal due date for receipt of the application, the 
following information to the head of the appropriate State and local 
health agencies in the area(s) to be impacted: (a) a copy of the face 
page of the application (SF 424), and (b) a summary of the project 
(PHSIS), not to exceed one page, which provides: (1) a description of 
the population to be served, (2) a summary of the services to be 
provided, and (3) a description of the coordination planned with the 
appropriate State or local health agencies. Copies of the letters 
forwarding the PHSIS to these authorities must be contained in the 
application materials submitted to the Office of Minority Health.

State Reviews

    This program is subject to the requirements of Executive Order 
12372 which allows States the option of setting up a system for 
reviewing applications from within their States for assistance under 
certain Federal programs. The application kit to be made available 
under this notice will contain a listing of States which have chosen to 
set up a review system and will include a State Single Point of Contact 
(SPOC) in the State for review. Applicants (other than federally 
recognized Indian tribes) should contact their SPOCs as early as 
possible to alert them to the prospective applications and receive any 
necessary instructions on the State process. For proposed projects 
serving more than one State, the applicant is advised to contact the 
SPOC of each affected State. The due date for State process 
recommendations is 60 days after the application deadline established 
by the Office of Minority Health's Grants Management Officer. The 
Office of Minority Health does not guarantee that it will accommodate 
or explain its responses to State process recommendations received 
after that date. (See ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs'' 
Executive Order 12372 and 45 CFR Part 100 for a description of the 
review process and requirements).

OMB Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The OMB Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for the 
Minority Community Health Coalition Demonstration Program is 93-137.
Clay E. Simpson, Jr.,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health.
[FR Doc. 97-30565 Filed 11-20-97; 8:45 am]
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