Promoting Health Equity and Expanding Health Care Access

The Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC) has announced its annual Request for Applications (RFA), providing $7 million in grant funding for initiatives aimed at improving public health in the state. The funding opportunity focuses on four key areas: addressing chronic disease prevention and management, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease; promoting maternal and child health; providing dental care to support the Maryland Medicaid Dental Benefit; and addressing behavioral health challenges, including mental health, substance use disorders (SUD), and the opioid crisis. These areas are critical to advancing public health outcomes in Maryland, particularly among underserved populations. Eligible applicants include public health agencies, federally qualified health centers, safety-net providers, free clinics, community-based organizations, and behavioral health providers. The program places a strong emphasis on addressing health disparities and adverse social determinants of health (SDOH) by promoting integrated health and social services in underserved communities. Applicants may seek funding for projects spanning up to three years, with anticipated award amounts ranging from $300,000 to $750,000 per grant. However, the CHRC retains discretion in determining award sizes and funding distribution. Key dates for the application process begin with the release of the RFA on November 15, 2024. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) meeting recording and accompanying materials are available as of November 25, 2024. Applicants must submit Letters of Intent and required information by December 9, 2024, through the designated Smartsheet link. A second video conference is scheduled for January 6, 2025, providing an additional opportunity for applicants to engage with CHRC representatives and seek clarification on the application process. Full applications and mandatory documents must be uploaded via the Smartsheet link by January 13, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Following this submission, selected applicants will be notified in March 2025 to prepare and present their proposals to the CHRC. Final award decisions will be made immediately after presentations in April 2025, providing applicants with clarity on the next steps and funding availability. This grant opportunity is particularly suited for organizations dedicated to improving health outcomes in Maryland, with an emphasis on collaborative and integrated approaches. Applicants are encouraged to design programs that reflect CHRC priorities, including reducing health inequities, addressing systemic challenges in health service delivery, and targeting interventions to underserved populations. Proposals should demonstrate measurable goals, robust planning, and sustainability beyond the grant period. Prospective applicants are advised to thoroughly review the RFA materials, attend the scheduled video conferences, and adhere strictly to submission deadlines to ensure consideration. Additional information, including access to the application portal, registration links, and submission guidelines, is provided in the official RFA documents and accompanying resources.