Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Health and Function Among People with Serious Mental Health Conditions

The Administration for Community Living (ACL), through the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), is inviting applications for the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Health and Function Among People with Serious Mental Health Conditions. This funding opportunity aims to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 through high-quality research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities. The goal of the RRTC is to enhance health and functional outcomes for individuals with serious mental health conditions (SMHCs) through evidence-based interventions and policy recommendations.

This grant seeks to address the significant health disparities experienced by individuals with SMHCs, who often face poor overall health outcomes, reduced life expectancy, and increased prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Research has demonstrated that integrated healthcare models, self-management techniques, and wellness interventions can improve outcomes for individuals with SMHCs. However, further development, implementation, and dissemination of these interventions are needed, particularly for underserved communities that face systemic barriers to healthcare access.

Applicants must propose research in one or more priority areas, including the use of technology to enhance health and function outcomes, environmental and individual factors affecting health, interventions designed to improve health, the impact of government policies on health outcomes, and effective practices and policies for children and adolescents with SMHCs. The research must align with NIDILRR's Long-Range Plan for 2024-2028 and focus on real-world settings to evaluate the effectiveness and scalability of interventions.

The total estimated funding available is $925,000 for a single award, with a project period of 60 months divided into five 12-month budget periods. Eligible applicants include states, public or private agencies and organizations, institutions of higher education, and tribal entities. Cost sharing or matching is not required for this grant, but voluntary commitments of non-federal resources are allowed and will be included in the approved project budget if proposed.

The application process requires submission through Grants.gov, with a letter of intent due by February 14, 2025, and full applications due by March 10, 2025. An informational conference call will be held on January 31, 2025 to provide guidance to applicants. Applications that do not meet the submission deadline will not be reviewed. The anticipated project start date is September 1, 2025.

Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the significance of the problem being addressed, the design of the research and dissemination activities, the experience of the project staff, the plan of operation, and the adequacy of resources. The selected RRTC will be expected to serve as a national resource center by conducting knowledge translation activities, providing training and technical assistance, and disseminating research findings to key stakeholders.

The designated competition manager for this grant is Donna Gregory, who can be contacted at donna.gregory@acl.hhs.gov. Additional inquiries about the letter of intent process can be directed to Megan Alvarado at Megan.Alvarado@acl.hhs.gov.