Healthy Start Initiative (93.926)
Program
93.926 Healthy Start Initiative
Federal Agency
HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Authorization
Public Health Service Act, Title III, Part D, Section 330H; 42 U.S.C. 254c-8.
Program Number
93.926
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To eliminate disparities in perinatal and women's health by enhancing a community's service system and infrastructure, and a State's infrastructure, directing resources and interventions to improve access to, utilization, and full participation of comprehensive perinatal and women's health services for high-risk women and infants.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Every Healthy Start project implements community-driven approaches to address infant mortality rates by reducing behavioral and medical risk factors and promotes healthy outcomes for young women and their families. Beginning with prenatal care and continuing through the infant's second year of life, each community awarded funds assures the availability of a core set of services and activities for the perinatal population in their project area. These services include case management, home visiting and links to health care and other needed services for mothers and their infants; direct outreach and peer mentoring by trained community members; screening and referral for perinatal/postpartum depression; and strong coordination with and access to substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health, early intervention, parenting and other critical services for high-risk women and families. In addition, each Healthy Start project is required to have a community-based consortium of individuals and organizations and includes women and families served by the project, to collaborate with State Title V (MCH) Agency, and a local health system action plan to improve the quality, cultural competence, access to services or addresses other problems in the local system of care. Funds may not be used to supplant currently funded activities/services.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Urban and rural communities with significant disparities in perinatal health, and the States with need to build their infrastructure/capacity to address and support those communities trying to achieve the goals of the Healthy Start program. Eligible applicants are any public or private entity, including an Indian Tribe or tribal organization (as those terms are defined at 25 U.S.C. 450b). Community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations are eligible to apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Service area residents, particularly women and infants in areas with significant perinatal health disparities.
Credentials/Documentation
The basis for determining the allowance and allocability of costs charged to Public Health Service (PHS) grants is set forth in DHHS Regulations 45 CFR Part 74, Subpart Q, and 45 CFR Part 92, Subpart C. The cost principles prescribed for recipients are in: OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments, OMB Circular No. A-21 for institutions of higher education, 45 CFR Part 74, Appendix E for hospitals, OMB Circular No. 122 for nonprofit organizations, and 48 CFR Subpart 31.2 for-profit (commercial) organizations. Proof of nonprofit status is required.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is subject to the provisions of E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in the State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Informal inquiries regarding the program and indication of intent to submit an application may be addressed to the Central Office.
Application Procedure
See specific program grant guidance.
Award Procedure
See specific program grant guidance.
Deadlines
See specific program grant guidance.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Project periods vary dependent on specific grant announcement with awards made on an annual basis for up to 5 years dependent on satisfactory progress and subject to the availability of funds.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Grantees are required to submit progress reports on an annual basis. Financial status reports are required no later than 90 days after the end of each budget period. Final financial status and progress reports are due 90 days after the end of a project period.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. In addition, grants and cooperative agreements are subject to inspection and audits by DHHS and other Federal government officials.
Records
DHHS and the Comptroller General of the United States or any of their authorized representatives, shall have the right of access to any books, documents, papers or other records of a grantee, sub-grantee, contractor or subcontractor, which are pertinent to the DHHS grant, in order to make audits, examinations excerpts and transcripts. In accordance with 45 CFR, Part 74, Subpart D, and 45 CFR Part 92, Subpart C, grantees are required to maintain grant accounting records 3 years after the end of a budget period. If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit or other action involving the record has been started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records shall be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all issues which arise from it, or until the end of the regular 3-year period, whichever is later.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2002, 125 projects were awarded to new and existing projects. It is estimated that 119 and 125 projects will be awarded for fiscal year 2002 and fiscal year 2003.
Financial Information
Account Identification
75-0350-0-1-550.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $94,258,419; FY 03 est $91,625,000; and FY 04 est $93,586,620.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$150,000 to $2,300,000; $779,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Pertinent information may be obtained by contacting the Central Office. PHS Grants Policy Statement, DHHS Publication No. (OASH) 94-50,000. (Rev.) April 1, 1994.
Related Programs
93.110, Maternal and Child Health Federal Consolidated Programs; 93.224, Community Health Centers; 93.246, Health Centers Grants for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Consult the appropriate DHHS Regional Office. (See Appendix IV of the Catalog for a listing of the Regional Offices.)
Headquarters Office
Central Office Contacts: Program Office: Director, Division of Perinatal Systems and Women's Health, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Public Health Service, Room 10C-16, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: (301) 443-0543. Grants Management Contact: Grants Management Branch, Director, Division of Grants Management Operations, Health Resources and Services Administration, Room 11-03, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
From pregnancy either to the next pregnancy or 2 years post delivery for the mother and infant, every Healthy Start project assures the availability of a core set of services and system building activities to the perinatal population in the project are, including a consortium, case management, outreach, health education, screening and referral for depression, collaboration with Title V, a local health system action plan, and plans for sustainability.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
See specific program grant guidance.
