Implementation Research in HRSA Ryan White Sites: Screening and Treatment for Mental and Substance Use Disorders to Further the National Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Goals (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA MH 20 520

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA MH 20 520

This grant opportunity, titled "Implementation Research in HRSA Ryan White Sites: Screening and Treatment for Mental and Substance Use Disorders to Further the National Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Goals (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)," is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) focused on improving how Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program-funded clinical sites identify and address mental health and substance use disorders among people with HIV. The basic idea is to fund implementation research, meaning studies that test practical, real-world strategies for getting proven screening and treatment approaches used more consistently, more effectively, and at higher quality in routine care. The broader purpose is to support the national Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative by strengthening behavioral health care in HIV service settings, since untreated depression, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, stimulant use disorder, and other substance use issues can interfere with engagement in HIV care, medication adherence, viral suppression, and overall health outcomes.

The FOA is specifically aimed at definitive, well-powered implementation studies rather than early exploratory work. In other words, applicants are expected to propose rigorous research that can clearly determine whether particular implementation strategies actually improve the adoption, delivery, and sustainability of mental health or substance use screening and treatment within HRSA Ryan White sites. Projects that are primarily pilot tests or feasibility studies are directed instead to a companion funding announcement using an R34 mechanism (RFA-MH20-521). The R01 mechanism here signals that NIH is looking for more mature research proposals with stronger study designs, clearer outcome measures, and a level of evidence generation that can inform broader practice across Ryan White-funded systems. The FOA also notes "Clinical Trial Optional," which generally means applicants may propose a study that does or does not meet NIH's definition of a clinical trial, depending on the intervention and evaluation plan.

From an eligibility standpoint, the opportunity is relatively broad and includes many common U.S.-based applicant types: state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments; tribal organizations (including those other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits both with and without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses as well as small businesses); and other eligible entities. The FOA explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions. At the same time, the rules are clear that foreign organizations and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible. Foreign components, as NIH defines them in its Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed under this FOA.

Administratively, the opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant in the health funding activity area, with CFDA number 93.242, and is issued by the National Institutes of Health. The source data lists an award ceiling of $500,000, indicating the maximum amount expected per award under the announcement (as presented in the summary record). The original closing date shown is January 31, 2020, and the FOA record was created on November 25, 2019. Overall, the opportunity is designed for applicants who can partner with HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program settings and conduct high-quality implementation research that measurably improves behavioral health screening and treatment delivery in HIV care, with the larger goal of supporting EHE outcomes through better integrated, more accessible mental health and substance use services.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Implementation Research in HRSA Ryan White Sites: Screening and Treatment for Mental and Substance Use Disorders to Further the National Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Goals (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2019-11-25.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-01-31. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for RFA MH 20 520

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