Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
09/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2024 07:49
MDHHS seeking proposals for Healthy Community Zones funding opportunity designed to reduce health disparities
Preapplication conference offered Oct. 7 to learn more
LANSING, Mich. -The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking proposals for Healthy Community Zones to be developed in Chippewa and Saginaw counties and the City of Detroit.
Healthy Community Zones aim to decrease racial disparities in health outcomes by supporting communities in implementing community-led initiatives in the focus areas of food security; built environments addressing physical or man-made structures where people live, work, learn and play; healthy children and youth; and social cohesion. This place-based, racial and health equity initiative will provide funding to communities disproportionally affected by chronic diseases, poor health outcomes, food insecurity and physical inactivity.
"Healthy Community Zones support communities as they work to reduce racial disparities and develop comprehensive long-term strategies addressing inequities," said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. "By investing in the places where people raise their families, work and play, we can build an environment that promotes good health where all families can thrive."
Funding will be open to local public, private or nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations including organizations supporting tribes and people with disabilities. This is the first time that Healthy Community Zone funding is available.
The funding will be available to new or existing programs that aim to do one or more of the following:
- Increase food security.
- Create active communities and healthy built environments - physical or man-made structures where people live, work, learn and play
- Support healthy, thriving children and youth.
- Enhance social cohesion - the connections between residents, organizations and the community as a whole.
There is $9.1 million available with individual agency awards of up to $500,000 and minimum awards of $50,000. The state anticipates 30 awards. The program is anticipated to begin April 2025 and end September 2026. Successful applicants will be eligible to apply for renewals based on availability of funds and acceptable performance.
A pre-application conference will be held to provide more information about the funding opportunity and instructions on using the EGrAMS system Monday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m., and will last approximately two hours. The webinar can be accessed online. At the conclusion of the conference, this link can be used to access the recording of this webinar.
Project director requests to access the application through EGRAMS are due by 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13. Grant applications for the Healthy Community Zones program RFP must be submitted electronically through EGrAMS by 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20.
For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select "About EGrAMS" link in the left panel to access the "Competitive Application Instructions" training manual. The complete RFP can be accessed under the 'Current Grants' section under the Public Health Administration link and selecting the HCZ-2025" grant program.
For more information, visit the Healthy Community Zones website or email [email protected].
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