Minority AIDS Initiative: Integrated Behavioral Health and HIV Care for Unsheltered Populations Pilot Project | TI 24 013

FAQs: Minority AIDS Initiative - Integrated Behavioral Health and HIV Care for Unsheltered Populations Pilot Project (TI 24 013)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the Minority AIDS Initiative: Integrated Behavioral Health and HIV Care for Unsheltered Populations Pilot Project, Funding Opportunity Number TI 24 013. It is a discretionary federal grant opportunity from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

What is the purpose of the pilot project?

The purpose is to test a more flexible, on-the-go model of care for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The pilot focuses on delivering a portable clinical care approach that meets people where they are and helps close gaps in access for individuals who are often disconnected from traditional clinic-based care.

Who is the program intended to serve?

The program is intended to serve underserved populations living without shelter (unsheltered homelessness), particularly people who face major barriers to accessing traditional healthcare services.

What kinds of barriers does the pilot aim to address for unsheltered populations?

The pilot is designed around common barriers such as transportation challenges, lack of stable contact information, limited ability to keep appointments, competing survival needs, and high rates of co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions that can make standard healthcare delivery models less effective.

What services are expected to be integrated under this pilot?

The pilot emphasizes coordinated, integrated delivery of behavioral health services alongside HIV treatment and HIV prevention. The core concept is integration rather than treating behavioral health needs and HIV-related needs separately.

What does "integrated behavioral health and HIV care" mean in this announcement?

Based on the announcement description, integration means behavioral health services are delivered in a coordinated way alongside HIV treatment and HIV prevention within the same overall care approach, so clients are not forced to navigate separate, disconnected service systems.

What is meant by a "portable" or "mobile" clinical care approach?

The pilot is meant to function as a portable or mobile clinical care strategy, which typically implies services delivered outside of conventional facilities and adapted for highly transient living conditions. The central idea is to bring services directly to individuals in the places they are living or spending time.

Is this program focused only on HIV treatment, or also on prevention?

It is focused on both HIV treatment and HIV prevention, delivered in a coordinated way with behavioral health services.

Why is SAMHSA using a cooperative agreement for this opportunity?

Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement, which generally means SAMHSA expects to have substantial involvement in the project beyond simply issuing an award.

What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The opportunity falls under the Health funding activity category.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 93.243.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $650,000.

How many awards does SAMHSA expect to make?

SAMHSA anticipates making approximately 4 awards under this announcement.

When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on 2024-05-09.

What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date was 2024-07-08.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility includes States and Territories (including the District of Columbia), political subdivisions of States, Indian tribes or tribal organizations (as defined in section 5304 of title 25), health facilities or programs operated by or in accordance with a contract or award with the Indian Health Service, and other public or private nonprofit entities with the capacity to serve the intended population.

Are faith-based organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. Faith-based organizations are explicitly included among eligible nonprofit applicants, as long as they meet the applicable requirements.

Is this opportunity limited to government entities?

No. While it includes government applicants (such as States, Territories, and political subdivisions), it also includes Indian tribes and tribal organizations, Indian Health Service-related facilities or programs, and other public or private nonprofit entities.

What kinds of organizations are best positioned for this opportunity?

The opportunity is positioned for organizations that can build or adapt street-based, mobile, or otherwise highly accessible service delivery models and integrate behavioral health supports with HIV treatment and prevention for unsheltered communities.

What is the main problem this pilot is trying to solve?

The pilot aims to address long-standing gaps in access to behavioral health and HIV services among people experiencing unsheltered homelessness by bringing coordinated services directly to individuals who are often disconnected from traditional clinic settings.

What outcomes is the integrated approach meant to improve?

The program aims to improve continuity of care and health outcomes in a population disproportionately affected by behavioral health challenges and HIV-related risks.

Does the announcement describe the care model as clinic-based or street-based?

The description emphasizes a model that can operate outside conventional facilities and meet people where they are, which aligns with street-based, mobile, and highly accessible delivery approaches rather than relying solely on clinic-based care.