[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 20, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15721-15724]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-6772]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of the Secretary


Office of Public Health and Science; Office of Minority Health; 
Availability of Funds for Health Disparities Grants in Minority Health

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

ACTION: Notice of Availability of Funds and Requests for Applications 
for Health Disparities Grants In Minority Health.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Program Information

    Program Title: Health Disparities Grants In Minority Health.
    OMB Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: The Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance number for this program is 93.100.
    Authority: This program is authorized under section 1707(e)(1) of 
the Public Health Service Act (PHS), as amended.
    Purpose: The purpose of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2001 Health 
Disparities Grants In Minority Health is to reduce health disparities 
among racial and ethnic populations through local pilot and small-scale 
projects which address a demonstrated health problem or health related 
issue. This program is intended to demonstrate the merit of using local 
organizations to develop, implement and conduct pilot or small-scale 
community-based projects which address a wide range of health problems 
and issues related to health disparities in local minority communities.
    Eligible Applicants: To qualify for funding, an applicant must be a 
private nonprofit, minority or public community-based organization 
which addresses health and human services, Historically Black College 
or University (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), or Tribal 
College or University (TCU) (see definitions found in this 
announcement).
    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 this grant.

    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 $1 million is expected to be available 
for award in FY 2001. It is expected that 20 to 30 awards will be made. 
Support may be requested for a total project period of 1 or 2 years. 
Those applicants chosen through the competitive review process:

 Are to begin their projects on September 30, 2001.
 Will receive an award up to $50,000 total costs (direct and 
indirect) for a 12 month period.
 Will be able to receive a non-competing continuation award for 
an additional 1 year. After year 1, funding is based on:
    --The amount of money available;
    --Success or progress in meeting project objectives; and
    --An initial application that requests 2 years of support.


[[Page 15722]]


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

 Continuation awards are expected to be awarded up to $50,000 
(direct and indirect). The actual funding level will depend on the 
availability of funds.
    Use of Grant Funds: Budgets up to $50,000 total costs (direct and 
indirect) may be requested per year to cover costs of:

 Personnel
 Consultants
 Equipment
 Supplies
 Grant related travel
 Other grant related costs

    Funds may not be used for:

 Activities that may compromise privacy and confidentiality of 
the target population
 Building alterations or renovations
 Conferences
 Construction
 Fund raising activities
 Job training
 Medical treatment
 Political education and lobbying
 Religious activities
 Studies involving human subjects
 Vocational rehabilitation

    Note: All budget requests must be fully justified in terms of 
the proposed objectives and activities.

Background

    The DHHS, OMH is committed to working with CBOs (community-based 
organizations) to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority 
populations through programs that address health disparities and gaps. 
The OMH serves as the focal point within the DHHS for service 
demonstrations, coalition and partnership building, and related efforts 
to address the health needs of racial and ethnic minorities.
    To that end, OMH is implementing the Health Disparities Grants In 
Minority Health program to address a wide range of health problems, 
gaps in service and issues that affect the health and well-being of 
local minority communities.
    It is anticipated that this program will strengthen existing 
efforts of grassroot CBOs which have been providing innovative 
approaches that address a wide range of health issues affecting their 
local minority communities.
    Through the annual issues of Health, United States and Healthy 
People 2000, it is reported that the overall health of the Nation 
continues to steadily and significantly improve. Yet, these reports 
also indicate that racial and ethnic minorities have not benefitted 
equally in this progress over time.
    The fact remains that disparities in the burden of death and 
illness experienced by Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or 
Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Asians, Native Hawaiians 
or Other Pacific Islanders, as compared with the United States 
population as a whole, have persisted, and, in many areas, are growing.
    There are many examples of these health disparities including:
     Persistent rates of infant mortality. It is found that 
infant mortality is more than twice as high for Blacks or African 
Americans than for whites.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Health, United States, U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National 
Center for Health Statistics, DHHS Publication Number (PHS) 98-1232.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Cerebrovascular disease death rates for Black or African 
American men ages 45-54, four times that of white counterparts.
     Death rates from HIV infection more than five times higher 
for Black or African American men than white men.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Ibid.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Cervical cancer fatalities that are disproportionately 
high among Hispanic or Latino and Black or African American women.\3\ 
\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Becker, et al., ``Cervical Cancer Incidence and Mortality in 
New Mexico's Hispanics, American Indians and Non-Hispanic Whites'', 
West J Med 156:376-379, April 1992.
    \4\ Racial/Ethnic Patterns of Cancer in the United States, 1988-
1992. Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program, 
National Cancer Institute.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The incidence of cervical cancer five times higher among 
Vietnamese women than white women.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures for 
Minority Americans, 1991.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The prevalence of diabetes in Blacks or African Americans 
approximately 70 percent higher than whites. The rate for Hispanics or 
Latinos nearly double that of whites, and among some American Indian or 
Alaska Native tribes as high as 50 percent.\6\ \7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ CDC National Diabetes Fact Sheet, November 1, 1997.
    \7\ American Diabetes Association, 1995.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In terms of health services, racial and ethnic minorities are less 
likely to:

     Be insured \8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ Colins, et al., U.S. Minority Health: A Chartbook, New York, 
NY: The Commonwealth Fund, 1999.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Have a usual source of health care
     Receive check-ups
     Be immunized
     Be routinely screened for cancer \9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ Healthy People 2000, U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 91-50212.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Receive treatment for HIV infections and other diseases 
and conditions \10\ \11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study, Agency for Health 
Care Policy and Research, 1999.
    \11\ Hall, A.G., et al., Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance: 
Implications for Minority Workers. New York, NY: The Commonwealth 
Fund: 1999.

    The DHHS supports the effort to eliminate disparities in health 
status experienced by racial and ethnic minority populations by year 
2010. The 28 focus areas embodied in Healthy People 2010, are targeted 
for specific improvements. To learn more information 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.) Applicants may elect to address any of the 28 
focus areas contained in Healthy People 2010 or other health problems 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
where there is a health disparity in a local minority community.

    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 health focus areas 
addressed in Healthy People 2010, or other documented health problems 
or issues that affect the targeted local minority group(s);
    2. Identify problems, such as gaps in services, or issues affecting 
the targeted area which will be addressed by the proposed project.
    3. Identify existing resources in the targeted area which will be 
linked to the proposed project.
    4. Implement an innovative approach to address the problem(s).

Application Process

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,

[[Page 15723]]

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 21, 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 be contacted for technical assistance on 
budget and business aspects of the application. For questions on the 
program and assistance in preparing the 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 do not conform to or address the criteria in 
the announcement will be returned without comment.
     Each applicant 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 racial and 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%)
 Relevance of the identified health problem(s) or health 
issue(s) to the 28 focus areas identified in Healthy People 2010 where 
there is a health disparity
 Demonstrated need within the proposed community and target 
population
 Approach for bringing together minority community-based 
resources
 Extent to which the applicant demonstrates access to the 
target minority community(ies), and whether it is well positioned and 
accepted within the community(ies) to be served
 Extent and documented outcomes of past efforts and activities 
with the target population
Factor 2: Objectives (15%)
 Merit of the objectives to the stated problem and intended 
outcome
 Ability of objectives to be measured
 Attainability of the objectives in the stated time frames
Factor 3: Methodology (35%)
 Appropriateness of the overall approach, and likelihood of 
successful implementation of the project
 Logic and sequencing of the planned approach, and 
appropriateness of specific activities for each objective
 Adequate time allowed to accomplish the proposed activities
Factor 4: Evaluation (20%)
 Thoroughness, feasibility, and appropriateness of the 
evaluation design, data collection, and analysis procedures for each 
objective
 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
    --Staff level of effort
    --Management experience of the applicant
    --Clarity of the applicant's organizational chart
    Award Criteria: Funding decisions will be determined by the Deputy 
Assistant Secretary for Minority Health of the OMH and will take under 
consideration:

 The recommendations and ratings of the review panel
 Geographic and racial/ethnic distribution
 Health disparity(ies) addressed
 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 Financial Status Report in the format established 
by the OMH, in accordance with provisions of the general regulations 
which apply under 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.

[[Page 15724]]

    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 OMH Grants 
Management Officer.
    The OMH 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 the years and quality of life. More information on the Healthy 
People 2010 objectives 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 the printed version or $19.00 for the CDROM). Another 
reference is the Healthy People 2000 Review 1998-99.
    For 1 free copy of the 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 
and 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 Organization: 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.
    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, Education 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]).
    Minority Community-Based Organization: Private, nonprofit, 
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 a significant number of 
minorities employed in key program positions.

Minority Populations

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

    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).

(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).

    Dated: March 8, 2001.
Nathan Stinson, Jr.,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health.
[FR Doc. 01-6772 Filed 3-19-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-17-P