NOTICES
Availability of Title V Funds to Fund Breastfeeding Awareness and Support Activities Through Mini-Grants
[36 Pa.B. 2230] The Bureau of Family Health is accepting mini-grant applications for breastfeeding awareness, community outreach and peer support activities occurring between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2007. A maximum of $3,000 is available for this fiscal year period.
A limited number of mini-grants for up to $3,000 per 12-month period are available to support activities, events or services with the direct objective of: increasing the number of women who breastfeed for up to 1 year; increasing the number of people who consider breastfeeding acceptable and desirable; increasing the number of pregnant women who select breastfeeding as their long-term infant feeding practice; and decreasing the negative stereotypes associated with breastfeeding among the general public.
The public health benefits of breastfeeding have been extensively documented. Experts agree that breastfeeding is the optimal way to feed infants. Breastfeeding significantly promotes infant and maternal immediate and long-term health, decreases the frequency of doctor visits, hospitalizations and medication utilization and thereby lowers medical costs. As a result, the decision to breastfeed is of significant importance to the newborn child, the mother and the public health and health care system.
Eligible applicants are public and private organizations, foundations or community-based agencies in this Commonwealth as recognized by a Federal Tax ID number. Individuals may not apply.
Applicants may include, but are not limited to:
* Medical care facilities.
* Medical providers.
* Educational providers.
* Youth groups.
* Community organizations.
* Employers/businesses.
* Professional associations.
* Local governments.
* Social/human service agencies.
* Schools.
* Colleges.
* Universities.
Agencies contracting with the Department of Health (Department) to provide Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) for the period July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007, are not eligible to apply.
Funds may be used to support ongoing and one-time activities, events or services that promote the objectives of the program, including but not limited to: equipment, teaching tools, staff time to perform group counseling, community educational and advocacy functions, advertising, space rental for special activity and trainer expenses. Applicants may apply for funding to cover multiple purchases or activities, not to exceed $3,000 cumulatively per grant period when combined with any funding received through a Department mini-grant program.
Completed applications will be accepted between May 1, 2006 and October 1, 2006. Applicants will be considered on a first-come first-served basis contingent upon the availability of 2006 fiscal year funds and Department approval. Copies of application forms and other background information are available on the Department's website (www.health.state.pa.us; search word: ''breast- feeding mini-grant'').
Completed applications will be scored by an independent review panel using a 10-point rating scale. The five rating factors are: soundness of approach (five points); documented need and target population selection (two points); resources leveraged and involvement of key stakeholders in application planning (one point); media involvement (one point); and evaluation/measurement of results (one point). One bonus point will given to any applicant with documented media commitment or involvement.
Applicants will be notified of approval or disapproval in writing within 30 days of receipt of a completed application. Applicants not selected for funding will be offered one opportunity to be reconsidered after revising their application to conform to the guidelines. All awardees are expected to abide by the provisions of the Federal funding source, the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant (42 U.S.C.A § 701, et seq.).
Persons with a disability who require an alternative format of this notice (for example, large print, audiotape, Braille) or to request application materials or additional information should contact Martha Krautz, Program Coordinator, Breastfeeding Awareness and Support, Bureau of Family Health, Division of Community Systems Development and Outreach, Health and Welfare Building, 7th Floor East, 7th and Forester Streets, Harrisburg, PA 17120, (717) 772-2763, fax (717) 772-0323, mkautz@state. pa.us or for speech and/or hearing impaired persons, call V/TT (717) 783-6514 or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Services at (800) 654-5984.
CALVIN B. JOHNSON, M. D., M.P.H.,
Secretary
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 06-780. Filed for public inspection May 5, 2006, 9:00 a.m.]
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