The Sickle Cell Initiative (SK26) from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) provides funding to support regional comprehensive services for individuals with or at risk of sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, and other hemoglobinopathies. Applications for the fiscal year 2026 funding period, covering July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, must be submitted via the Grants Management Information System (GMIS) by 4:00 p.m. on January 27, 2025. Late submissions and incomplete applications will not be accepted. The total funding available for fiscal year 2026 is approximately $733,306, with grants ranging from $55,274 to $175,650 for six designated regions.

Eligible applicants are subrecipient agencies that received funding in fiscal year 2025. Grants support deliverable-based objectives, including the provision of regional services, newborn and non-newborn screening follow-ups, education and outreach events, and professional development for staff. Funded activities aim to improve health equity, address disparities, and engage diverse communities through targeted programs. Deliverables include community engagement, regional events during awareness campaigns, and maintaining educational resources.

Applicants must submit program narratives, updated work plans with SMART-IE objectives, and a detailed budget justification. Specific attachments include staff contact information, data assurances, user access forms, and biographical sketches. Compliance with ODH’s health equity guidelines is mandatory, requiring applicants to identify priority populations and outline measurable equity targets. Subrecipients must adhere to the federal cost principles specified in the ODH Grants Administration Policies and Procedures (OGAPP) manual.

Reporting requirements include monthly and quarterly program performance and expenditure reports, with final expenditure reports due by August 5, 2026. Deliverables are tied to detailed validation procedures, such as submitting performance reports and reimbursement forms through GMIS. Allowable expenses include operational costs, materials, and approved events, while unallowable costs include promotional items, out-of-state travel, and clinical services.

Subrecipients are required to maintain current supplier information in the State of Ohio Supplier Portal and comply with audit and civil rights reporting requirements. Collaboration with community partners, compliance with data security protocols, and adherence to program standards are critical for successful grant administration. For further guidance, applicants can contact Cheryl Jones, Sickle Cell Services Program Coordinator, or consult the program's competitive solicitation materials.