The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is offering a grant opportunity through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Part C Early Intervention Services (EIS) Program under the Funding Opportunity Number HRSA-25-052. This program is designed to support comprehensive primary health care and support services for low-income individuals with HIV in outpatient settings within designated geographic service areas. The primary goal is to provide critical services to individuals with HIV, improving health outcomes and enhancing access to care in underserved areas.

The purpose of this program is to ensure that applicants provide a comprehensive range of services, which include HIV counseling, targeted testing, periodic medical evaluations, therapeutic measures to prevent immune system deterioration, and referrals to appropriate health and support services. These services may be offered directly or through referrals and partnerships with other service providers. The funding is aimed at maintaining the health and well-being of individuals diagnosed with HIV and ensuring they receive the necessary care to manage the disease.

Eligibility for this funding includes public and nonprofit private entities, such as federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, community-based organizations, and hospitals that provide early intervention services. Entities must serve populations at risk of HIV, including those who may have contracted the virus through intravenous drug use. The program encourages applications from both current RWHAP Part C recipients and new organizations that are looking to offer RWHAP Part C services within the specified geographic areas.

The estimated total available funding for fiscal year 2025 is $3,102,000, with six anticipated awards. The actual award amounts will depend on appropriations, and funding is contingent on available federal resources. The period of performance will be for three years, starting either on April 1, 2025, or May 1, 2025, depending on the geographic area listed in Appendix C of the funding announcement.

Applications must be submitted by December 10, 2024, through Grants.gov, and organizations must ensure that all necessary registrations (SAM.gov and Grants.gov) are current to avoid delays. Applicants should clearly detail how they plan to provide the required HIV services, their strategies for addressing unmet needs within their service area, and how they will utilize funding to support a continuum of care for individuals with HIV. Additionally, applicants are required to provide a narrative that outlines their organizational capabilities, work plans, and methods for evaluating the success of the program.

Review criteria include the significance of the need for services in the proposed area, the applicant's approach to delivering services, the organization's capacity and resources, the proposed impact of the project, and the clarity of the budget. Moreover, applicants can earn competitive points by demonstrating increased burden in providing services, especially in rural or underserved areas.

Overall, this funding opportunity is an essential part of the federal government’s effort to improve health outcomes for individuals living with HIV, particularly in underserved and high-need communities. Applicants are encouraged to submit well-documented proposals that emphasize their experience, organizational capacity, and strategic approach to meeting the needs of their target populations.