R40 MCH Field-Initiated Innovative Research Studies (FIRST)

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This announcement solicits applications for two (2) separate competitions:  R40 Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Field-Initiated Innovative Research Studies (FIRST) and R40 MCH Secondary Data Analysis Research (SDAR). The research findings of the R40 MCH FIRST and R40 MCH SDAR programs should be generalizable and of regional or national significance. R40 MCH Field-Initiated Innovative Research Studies (FIRST) (HRSA-17-011) The R40 MCH Field-Initiated Research Studies (FIRST) program supports innovative translational and applied research on critical issues affecting maternal and child health, including services for children with special health care needs.  The program is specifically designed to promote innovation in the field by supporting the exploration of new ideas and the development of new interventions.  Research should advance the current knowledge pool, and when implemented in states and communities should result in health and health services improvements. Findings from the research supported by the MCH FIRST Program are expected to: Explore and develop new ideas and interventions that strengthen and expand topics addressed by the new MCH Block Grant National Performance Domains, and the populations they serve (see Appendix A for list of MCH Block Grant national performance and population domains).  By supporting research on HRSA/MCHB program populations, the R40 MCH Field-Initiated Research program is strategically tied to HRSA/MCHB investments and programs.  The “life course perspective” is currently being integrated into MCHB’s strategic directions, and can serve as a helpful frame of reference for study proposals designed to address the critical MCH questions posed by the Bureau.  (For more background materials on the Block Grant Transformation, see:  http://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/titlevgrants/index.html) Address MCHB Strategic Research Issues (see Appendix B) such as improving public health systems and infrastructure, reducing health disparities, increasing quality of and access to care, and/or promoting the health of MCH populations. Addressing at least one MCH Block Grant National Performance Domain and one of the four MCHB Strategic Research Issues is part of Review Criterion 1, Need, which is worth up to 10 points. R40 MCH FIRST award recipients will complete the following major activities: Demonstrate rigorous scientific methodology. Conduct applied or translational research on critical MCH issues. Achieve FIRST program aims by generating new knowledge and/or new interventions on critical MCH issues that will advance the evidence base and promote the transfer of findings to improve practice. Disseminate scientific findings through the development and publication of at least three peer-reviewed manuscripts. Demonstrate a plan to advance the transfer of findings into practice by disseminating findings to key target audiences, including researchers, providers, State Title V programs and other programs serving HRSA/MCHB populations, policymakers, families and the general public.  Other dissemination activities include but are not limited to conference presentations, newsletter articles, webcasts, fact sheets, infographics, policy briefs and website and social media posts, as appropriate.

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