[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 179 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 49578]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-24755]



[[Page 49578]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of the Secretary


Notice of a Cooperative Agreement With the Summit Health 
Institute for Research and Education, Inc.

    The Office of Minority Health (OMH), Office of Public Health and 
Science, announces that it will enter into an umbrella cooperative 
agreement with the Summit Health Institute for Research and Education, 
Inc. (SHIRE). This cooperative agreement is an umbrella cooperative 
agreement and will establish the broad programmatic framework in which 
specific projects can be supported by various agencies during the 
project period.
    The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to assist SHIRE to 
expand and enhance its technical assistance, information dissemination, 
networking, health services research and program evaluation activities. 
These activities will maximize the beneficial impact of Government 
policies and programs with respect to African Americans, particularly 
health care consumers. It is anticipated that future activities will 
focus on programs and policies aimed at improving the overall health 
status of African Americans in order to eliminate the health gaps that 
exist between African Americans and other racial/ethnic groups. OMH 
will provide consultation, including administrative and technical 
assistance as needed, for the execution and evaluation of all aspects 
of this cooperative agreement. OMH will also participate and/or 
collaborate with the awardee in any workshops or symposia to exchange 
current information, opinions and research findings during this 
agreement.

Authorizing Legislation

    The cooperative agreement is authorized under Section 1707(d)(1) of 
the Public Health Service Act.

Background

    Assistance will be provided only to Summit Health Institute for 
Research and Evaluation, Inc. (SHIRE). No other applications are 
solicited. OMH believes SHIRE is uniquely qualified to accomplish the 
objectives of this cooperative agreement because it:
    1. Serves as the principal resource and technical advisor to the 
National Black Caucus of Elected Officials and the National Association 
of Black County Officials with respect to managed care, particularly 
Medicaid managed care;
    2. Works closely with community based organizations to increase the 
knowledge and participation of African Americans concerning Medicaid 
and managed care;
    3. Currently is working with community-based organizations to 
implement the Children's Health Insurance Program;
    4. Has a high level of experience in organizing health consumers, 
providers, community-based organizations and faith institutions to 
ensure that African American beneficiaries participate more fully in 
Federal/state-funded health-related programs;
    5. Provides technical assistance to state-wide associations 
regarding implementation of state and Federal programs (e.g., Medicaid 
1115 Waivers);
    6. Collaborates with non-governmental organizations in the 
development of tracking technology designed to prevent fraud and abuse, 
as well as systems to follow patients from one medical facility to 
another and from one payment status to another;
    7. Prepares the annual publication of resource documents for 
African American groups, organizations and individuals involved in 
health-related issues. SHIRE has conducted and compiled results of 
research on current Federal and state programs and policy issues; the 
role and functions of key Federal agencies; available information on 
African American health care providers and consumers; quality, cost, 
utilization and insurance data; national and state trends; community-
based initiatives and available resources; and recent mortality and 
morbidity statistics.
    This cooperative agreement will be awarded for a 12-month budget 
period within a project period of 5 years. Depending upon the types of 
projects and availability of funds, it is anticipated that this 
cooperative agreement will receive approximately $50,000 to $100,000. 
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, contact Ms. Georgia Buggs, Office of Minority Health, 
5515 Security Lane, Suite 1000, Rockville, Maryland 20852 or telephone 
(301) 443-5084.

    Dated: September 4, 1998.
Tuei Doong,
Deputy Director, Office of Minority Health.
[FR Doc. 98-24755 Filed 9-15-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-17-M