The Ohio Department of Health’s Sickle Cell Statewide Family Support Initiative (SS26) offers funding for fiscal year 2026, spanning July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. This initiative focuses on supporting and expanding services related to sickle cell disease across Ohio. Applications for continuation funding are due by 4:00 p.m. on January 27, 2025, via the Grants Management Information System (GMIS). Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. The total anticipated funding for the initiative is $90,000, with individual awards starting at a minimum of $30,000.

Eligible applicants are subrecipient agencies that received funding during the fiscal year 2025 competitive application process. Applicants must comply with Ohio Department of Health Grants Administration Policies and Procedures (OGAPP) and federal regulations. Funding can be used for deliverables such as education, outreach campaigns, and administrative support. Unallowable costs include entertainment, out-of-state travel, and political or religious activities.

Program deliverables include implementing statewide education campaigns, organizing sickle cell awareness events, managing scholarship funds for educational activities, and providing resources for adults living with sickle cell disease. Specific requirements include creating social media toolkits, conducting professional training, and engaging with national organizations such as the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. Deliverables must adhere to SMART-IE objectives and include data collection and reporting through ODH-approved systems.

The application requires a program narrative if there are changes from the prior year, an updated deliverables work plan, a budget justification, and compliance with health equity strategies. Supporting documentation, such as a progress report, staff information, and biographical sketches, must be submitted in the specified formats. Compliance with confidentiality, audit requirements, and federal transparency laws is mandatory.

Post-award requirements include monthly and quarterly performance and expenditure reports, participation in bi-annual staff meetings, and adherence to validation processes for reimbursement. Subrecipients must also engage in professional development and align their activities with health equity principles outlined by the Ohio Department of Health. For further information, applicants can contact Cheryl Jones, the Sickle Cell Services Program Coordinator, or refer to the program's competitive solicitation materials on the ODH website.