The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, through its Office of the Medical Director, has announced the availability of $2,060,000 annually for the Clinical Education Initiative (CEI) under RFA #20629. This grant opportunity supports clinical education in HIV, Hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and drug user health, targeting medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and public health staff. The initiative is structured into two components: Component A supports three Topic-Specific Centers of Excellence, and Component B supports a single Resource Center of Excellence. Funding will be provided over a five-year period from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030.

The Clinical Education Initiative has operated for over 25 years and currently educates over 11,000 healthcare providers annually, offering over 30,000 CME credits through in-person and online modalities. The goal is to improve the clinical competence of New York State’s healthcare workforce in priority areas including HIV, Hepatitis C, sexual health, LGBTQIA+ health, and substance use. The CEI incorporates digital learning platforms, collaborates with professional organizations, and disseminates guidelines from the AIDS Institute. The program emphasizes equity, with specific health equity competencies and targeted outreach to historically marginalized populations.

Eligible applicants for Component A must be New York-based not-for-profit academic medical centers or community health centers with a minimum of five years’ relevant experience. For Component B, eligibility includes not-for-profit academic medical centers, universities, nonprofit technology companies, or community-based organizations. All applicants must be prequalified in the New York State Statewide Financial System (SFS).

Applicants may submit up to two applications. Applications must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System. Key dates include a release date of April 10, 2025; questions are due by April 24, 2025; answers will be published on May 8, 2025; and the final application deadline is May 28, 2025, by 4:00 PM ET. Applications must include a completed Statement of Assurances, staffing plan, work plan, and budget documentation.

Evaluation criteria include program abstract, organizational capacity, health equity strategies, program design, staffing qualifications, and budget justifications. Awards will be made to the highest-scoring applications in each component, with the potential to redistribute or reissue funds if insufficient proposals are received. A 30% MWBE participation goal is required.

For additional information, applicants can contact Beatrice Aladin, Director, Clinical Education Initiative, at CEIRFA@health.ny.gov. Applicants are encouraged to begin the registration and prequalification process in the SFS system early and to submit proposals at least 48 hours prior to the deadline to address potential technical issues.