The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), through the Office on Women's Health (OWH), is forecasting the Pregnancy and Postpartum Hypertension Control Initiative. This initiative seeks to accelerate the nationwide implementation of self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring during pregnancy and postpartum. SMBP, which involves patients measuring their blood pressure at home with clinical support, is recognized as a best practice for detecting and managing hypertension. The project builds on foundational work from several national initiatives, including the HHS Hypertension Innovator Award, the Hypertension in Pregnancy Change Package by the CDC, and other hypertension control efforts by federal agencies. The program aims to improve maternal and fetal outcomes, reduce hypertension-related complications, and increase equity in underserved and rural communities, particularly in maternity care deserts.

The funding opportunity is designed as an implementation and scaling project, requiring recipients to fully implement their projects within the first six months of the award. Applicants will be expected to evaluate both processes and outcomes over the course of the project to assess its effectiveness. The initiative also mandates documentation and sharing of findings, including data, best practices, and lessons learned, with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other stakeholders to encourage broader adoption of SMBP in maternity care.

The anticipated funding for this initiative is up to $10,000,000, with individual awards ranging between $300,000 and $550,000. A total of approximately 18 awards are expected to be granted. The funding period will be structured into 12-month budget periods, with a total project period of up to 24 months. Awardees will need to submit a non-competing continuation application for the second budget period. Continued funding is contingent upon the availability of funds, project progress, and appropriate financial stewardship.

Eligible applicants include state, county, and city governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, public housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations, for-profit organizations (excluding small businesses), and small businesses. Nonprofit organizations, both with and without 501(c)(3) status, are also eligible. Additionally, community-based organizations, faith-based entities, and American Indian/Alaska Native/Native American organizations may apply.

The application process is expected to officially open on April 30, 2025, with a submission deadline of July 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. The estimated award date is September 15, 2025, and the project start date is expected to be September 30, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically through the designated platform. The program is not a rolling opportunity, and funding is not guaranteed for future cycles beyond this period.

For further inquiries regarding this grant opportunity, interested parties may contact Hodan Eyow at 202-690-7650 or via email at owhgrants@hhs.gov.