[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 53 (Monday, March 19, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15484-15488]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-6714]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of the Secretary


Availability of Funds for Community Programs to Improve Minority 
Health

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Health and Science, 
Office of Minority Health, HHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and request for applications 
for the Community Programs to Improve Minority Health Grant Program.

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    Program Title: Community Programs to Improve Minority Health Grant 
Program.

    OMB Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: The OMB Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance number for the Community Programs to 
Improve Minority Health is 93.137.

    Authority: This program is authorized under section 1707(e)(1) 
of the Public Health Service Act (PHS), as amended.

    Purpose: The purpose of this Fiscal Year (FY) 2001 Community 
Programs to Improve Minority Health Grant Program is 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:
     Developing, implementing, and conducting demonstration 
projects which coordinate integrated community-based educational 
screening and outreach services, and include linkages for access and 
treatment to minorities in high-risk, low-income communities; and
     Addressing sociocultural and linguistic barriers to health 
care.

[[Page 15485]]

Eligible Applicants

    To qualify for funding, an applicant must meet both the criteria 
listed below:

    1. Be a private non-profit, minority or public community-based 
organization which addresses health or human services, Historically 
Black College or University (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), 
or Tribal College or University (TCU); and
    2. Have an established community coalition of at least three 
discrete organizations that include a minority community-based 
organization and 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 organization submitting the application 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.

    Organizations are not eligible to receive funding from more than 
one Office of Minority Health (OMH) grant program concurrently. An 
organization may submit only one proposal under this announcement.


    Note: National, state-wide, and regional organizations may not 
apply for these grants. For-profit hospitals and local school 
districts are also ineligible, although they can be included in the 
project as a member of the community coalition they may not be the 
fiscal agent.


    Local affiliates of national, state-wide, or regional organizations 
that meet the definition of a minority community-based organization are 
eligible to apply.

Availability of Funds

    About $2.5 million is expected to be available for award in FY 
2001. It is expected that 17 to 25 awards will be made.


    Note: It is anticipated that $600,000 of the total funding will 
be awarded to projects that include HIV/AIDS as one of the targeted 
health problem areas.


    Those applicants chosen through the competitive review process:
     Are to begin their service demonstration programs on July 
1, 2001.
     Will receive an award ranging from $75,000 to $150,000 
total costs (direct and indirect) for a 12 month period.
     Will be able to receive noncompeting continuation awards 
for an additional 2 years. After year 1, funding is based on:
    --The amount of money available; and
    --Success or progress in meeting project objectives.

    Note: For the non-competing continuation awards, grantees must 
submit continuation applications, written reports, and continue to 
meet the established funding guidelines.

     Continuation awards are expected to range from $75,000 to 
$150,000. Actual funding levels will depend on the availability of 
funds.

Use of Grant Funds

    Budgets ranging from $75,000 to $150,000 total costs (direct and 
indirect) may be requested per year to cover costs of;

 Personnel
 Consultants
 Supplies including screening and outreach materials
 Equipment
 Grant related travel
 Other grant related costs
    Funds may not be used for:
 Medical treatment
 Building alterations or renovations
 Construction


    Note: All budget requests must be fully justified in terms of 
the proposed purpose and objectives. Funds to attend an annual OMH 
grantee meeting must be included in the budget.


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 FY 2001 announcement, to 
promote the utilization of community coalitions to develop and 
implement health education, promotion, and disease risk reduction 
programs.
    In FY 2001, eligibility for the Community Programs to Improve 
Minority Health Grant Program is being expanded to include HBCUs, HSIs, 
and TCUs because of their unique and, in many instances, historical 
relationship with the target communities.
    Also in FY 2001, the Community Programs to Improve Minority Health 
Grant Program will target 21 of the health areas which are part of the 
Healthy People 2010. (Refer to the section on Health Areas to be 
Addressed in this announcement.) Applicants are to design innovative 
programs to address at least 1, but no more than 3, of these areas.
    To learn more about the health disparities that exist among racial 
and ethnic minorities in the United States today, read applicable 
sections of Healthy People 2010. (See the section on Healthy People 
2010 in this announcement for information on how to obtain a copy.)


    Note: The Healthy People 2010 focus areas will also be listed in 
the grant application kit.

Project Requirements

    Each project funded under this demonstration program is to:
    1. Address at least 1, but no more than 3, of the health problem 
areas identified in the section on Health Areas to be Addressed.
    2. Have an established coalition prior to submission of an 
application that is 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. Include at least 3 discrete entities in the coalition. This must 
include a minority community-based organization and a health care 
facility.
    A single, signed agreement between the applicant organization, the 
health care facility, and the remaining coalition member(s) must be 
submitted with the application. The agreement must specify in detail 
the roles and resources that each entity will bring to the project, and 
the terms of the linkage. The linkage agreement must cover the entire 
project period.
    The document must be signed by individuals with the authority to 
represent the organization (e.g., chief executive officer, executive 
director, president/chancellor, school principal).

Health Areas to be Addressed

    In FY 2001, the Community Programs to Improve Minority Health 
Program will target 21 health areas which are part of the Healthy 
People 2010 focus areas.
    An applicant is required to address at least 1, but no more than 3 
of the following health areas for its demonstration project:


[[Page 15486]]


 Access to Quality Health Services
 Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Chronic Back Conditions
 Cancer
 Chronic Kidney Disease
 Diabetes
 Environmental Health
 Family Planning
 Heart Disease and Stroke
 HIV
 Immunization and Infectious Disease
 Injury and Violence Prevention
 Maternal, Infant, and Child Health
 Mental Health and Mental Disorders
 Nutrition and Overweight
 Oral Health
 Physical Activity and Fitness
 Respiratory Diseases
 Sexually Transmitted Diseases
 Substance Abuse
 Tobacco Use
 Vision and Hearing

Application Kit

     For this grant, Form PHS 5161-1 (Revised June 1999 and 
approved by OMB under Control Number 0937-0189) must be used.
     An applicant is advised to pay close attention to the 
specific program guidelines and general instructions provided in the 
application kit.
     To get an application kit, write to: Ms. Karen Campbell, 
Acting Grants Management Officer, Division of Management Operations, 
Office of Minority Health, Rockwall II Building, Suite 1000, 5515 
Security Lane, Rockville, MD 20852; or call Karen Campbell at (301) 
594-0758.

Where To Send Applications

    Send the original and 2 copies of the complete grant application 
to: Ms. Karen Campbell, Acting Grants Management Officer, Division of 
Management Operations, Office of Minority Health, Rockwall II Building, 
Suite 1000, 5515 Security Lane, Rockville, MD 20852.

Application Deadline

    To receive consideration, grant applications must be received by 
the OMH Grants Management Office by May 18, 2001. 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.

How To Get Help

    In addition to contacting Karen Campbell for application kits, she 
may also be contacted for technical assistance on budget and business 
aspects of the application. For questions on the program and assistance 
in preparing a grant proposal, contact: Ms. Cynthia H. Amis, Director, 
Division of Program Operations, Office of Minority Health, Rockwall II 
Building, Suite 1000, 5515 Security Lane, Rockville, MD 20852; or call: 
Cynthia Amis at (301) 594-0769.
    For additional assistance contact the OMH Regional Minority Health 
Consultants listed in the grant application kit.
    For health information call the OMH Resource Center at 1-800-444-
6472.

Review of Applications

     Applications will be screened upon receipt. Applications 
that are not complete or that do not conform to or address the criteria 
of the announcement will be returned without comment.
     Each organization may submit no more than one proposal 
under this announcement.
     Organizations submitting more than one proposal will be 
deemed ineligible. The proposals will be 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. Panel members are chosen for their expertise in minority health 
and their understanding of the unique health problems and related 
issues confronted by the racial/ethnic minority populations in the 
United States.

Application Review Criteria

    The technical review of applications will consider the following 5 
generic factors.
Factor 1: Background (15%)
 Demonstrated knowledge of the problem at the local level
 Demonstrated need within the proposed community and target 
population
 Demonstrated ties to the community
 Demonstrated support and established linkage(s) in order to 
conduct proposed model
 Extent and documented outcome of past efforts/activities with 
the target population
Factor 2: Objectives (15%)
 Merit of the objectives
 Relevance to the program purpose and stated problem
 Attainability of the objectives in the stated time frames
Factor 3: 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 4: Evaluation (20%)
 Thoroughness, feasibility and appropriateness of the 
evaluation design, data collection and analysis procedures
 Clarity of the intent and plans to document the activities and 
their outcomes
 Potential for replication of the project for similar target 
populations and communities
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 applicant
     Experience of each coalition member as it relates to its 
defined roles and the project
     Clear lines of authority and accountability among the 
proposed staff within and between participating organizations

Award Criteria

    Funding decisions will be determined by the Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Minority Health, OMH and will take under consideration:

 The recommendations and ratings of the review panel
 Geographic and racial/ethnic distribution
 Whether the proposed project will take place in Empowerment 
Zones and Enterprise Communities

Reporting and Other Requirements

General Reporting Requirements

    A successful applicant under this notice will submit: (1) Progress 
reports; (2) an annual Financial Status Report; and (3) a final 
progress report and

[[Page 15487]]

Financial Status Report in the format established by the OMH, in 
accordance with provisions of the general regulations which apply under 
``Monitoring and Reporting Program Performance,'' 45 CFR Part 74.51--
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 PHS 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 available under this 
notice will contain a list 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 Acting 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).
    Healthy People 2010: The PHS is committed to achieving the health 
promotion and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 2010, a 
PHS-led national activity announced in January 2000 to eliminate health 
disparities and improve years and quality of life. More information may 
be found on the Healthy People 2010 web site: http://www.health.gov/healthypeople. Copies of the Healthy People 2010: Volumes I and II can 
be purchased by calling (202) 512-1800 (cost $70.00 for printed 
version; $19.00 for CD-ROM). Another reference is the Healthy People 
2000 Review 1998-99.
    For a free copy of Healthy People 2010, contact: The National 
Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Division of Data Services, 6525 
Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782-2003; or, telephone (301) 458-
4636; ask for DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 99-1256.
    This document may also be downloaded from the NCHS web site http://www.cdc.gov/nchs.

Definitions

    For purposes of this grant announcement, the following definitions 
are provided:
    Community-Based Organizations--Private nonprofit organizations and 
public organizations that are representative of communities or 
significant segments of communities where the control and decision-
making powers are located at the community level.
    Community Coalition--At least three (3) discrete organizations and 
institutions in a given community. The organizations work together on 
specific community concerns, and seek resolution of those concerns. A 
formalized relationship documented by written memoranda of 
understanding/agreement signed by individuals with the authority to 
represent the organizations (e.g., chief executive officer, executive 
director, president/chancellor, school principal) is required.
    Health Care Facility--A private nonprofit or public facility that 
has an established record for providing comprehensive health care 
services to a targeted, racial/ethnic minority community.
    A health care facility may be a hospital, outpatient medical 
facility, community health center, migrant health center, or a mental 
health center. Facilities providing only screening and referral 
activities are not included in this definition.
    Hispanic Serving Institutions--Any local education agency or 
institution of higher education, respectively, whose student population 
is more than 25 percent Hispanic (Executive Order 12900, February 22, 
1994, Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, Section 5).
    Historically Black Colleges and Universities--Institutions 
established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the 
education of black Americans. (National Center for Education 
Statistics. Compendium: Historically Black Colleges and Universities: 
1976-1994. September 1996. [NCES 96-902]).
    Intervention--A combination of services 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. 
Services include:

--Clinical preventive services (e.g., blood pressure screening)
--Information dissemination
--Environmental modifications
--Educational activities
--Coordinated networking activities among health and human service 
related programs (e.g., referral for child care services, job 
placement, literacy programs)

    Minority Community-Based Organizations--Private non-profit, 
community-based organizations or local affiliates of national 
organizations that have a governing board composed of 51 percent or 
more racial/ethnic minority members and have a significant number of 
minorities employed in key program positions.

[[Page 15488]]

Minority Populations

 American Indian or Alaska Native
 Asian
 Black or African American
 Hispanic or Latino
 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

(Revision to the standards for the classification of Federal Data on 
Race and Ethnicity, Federal Register, Vol. 62, No. 210, pg. 58782, 
October 30, 1997)

    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. 
Examples of sociocultural barriers include:

 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

    Tribal Colleges and Universities--Those institutions cited in 
section 532 of the Equity in Education Land-Grants Status Act of 1994 
(U.S.C. 301 note) or that qualify for funding under the Tribally 
Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978, (25 U.S.C. 1801 et 
seq.), and Navajo Community College, authorized in the Navajo Community 
College Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-471, Title II (25 U.S.C. 
640a note).

    Dated: March 8, 2001.
Nathan Stinson, Jr.,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health.
[FR Doc. 01-6714 Filed 3-16-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-17-P