The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is offering a funding opportunity titled Asthma Project ECHO (APECHO), which seeks to support an innovative workforce development initiative focused on pediatric asthma management. Utilizing the Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) telementoring model, this program aims to build capacity among healthcare providers across Illinois. The selected grantee will be responsible for implementing an asthma-specific ECHO curriculum based on the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines and the CDC’s EXHALE Technical Package.

The awarded entity will develop and facilitate regular ECHO sessions to provide training and mentoring for healthcare providers, ensuring they can implement evidence-based, patient-centered asthma care. Activities will include monthly meetings with the Illinois Asthma Program, participation in statewide partnership meetings, quarterly reporting, and active involvement in evaluation measures aligned with national asthma performance standards.

The grant provides a total of $60,000 in state funds, drawn from the Tobacco Settlement Recovery Fund, for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. No cost sharing or matching is required, and indirect costs are allowed with a valid NICRA or use of the de minimis rate.

Eligibility is limited to Illinois-based organizations experienced in delivering healthcare provider education using the ECHO model. All applicants must be registered and prequalified through the Illinois GATA (Grant Accountability and Transparency Act) system and must meet specific fiscal and administrative qualifications. Applicants must submit a detailed project plan, including a budget and narrative, via the EGrAMS system by May 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

Applications will be reviewed using a 100-point scoring rubric covering the scope of work, work plan, budget, and a strong emphasis on health equity. A significant portion of the scoring focuses on the applicant’s integration of health equity principles, including alignment with IDPH's Health Equity Checklist and consideration of social determinants of health.

Questions about the opportunity can be directed to Nikki Woolverton at the IDPH. Award announcements are expected in June 2025, with projects beginning on July 1, 2025.