National Institute of Mental Health Outreach Partnership Program

Posted by on April 27, 2009

Solicitation Announcement

National Institute of Mental Health Outreach Partnership Program
Seeks Proposals

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) invites applicants to submit proposals from tax exempt, non-profit organizations interested in becoming Outreach Partners in the following states or regions: Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia. Charitable non-profit organizations that conduct statewide or regional outreach that focuses on mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders in these areas interested in becoming Outreach Partners are invited to participate in this competitive process.

Launched in 1999, this nationwide partnership is delivering science-based information on mental health and mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders through outreach activities targeting diverse audiences that include the general public, individuals and families affected by mental disorders, historically underserved populations, primary care providers, mental health professionals, employers, and educators.

Each organization selected as an NIMH Outreach Partner will receive a $7,500 yearly stipend.  Partners are expected to leverage these funds to conduct statewide, science-based mental health outreach and education efforts aimed at specific groups and the media.  Participation in the program assures that Outreach Partners are quickly aware of the most recent advances in mental illness and substance abuse research.  They, in turn, help NIMH disseminate that information throughout their state or region.  The Program is also designed to provide Outreach Partners with the opportunities to communicate to NIMH the public health needs of communities within their states.  This feedback becomes an essential part of the planning process for developing the NIMH research agenda and provides insights that will help NIMH meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population.  The Program’s other benefits include networking opportunities with other state and national organizations, participation in the annual meeting, and easy access to relevant NIMH publications for mass distribution.

To obtain solicitation information for these positions, please contact NIMHPartners@mail.nih.gov.  To view past solicitations and to learn more about the program, please visit http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/outreach/partnership-program/solicitation-process/index.shtml.

NIMH will review proposals received for existing vacant positions three times a year. Reviews for 2009 are planned for the months of June, September, and December.  To be considered for these reviews, proposals must be received by May 15, August 14, and November 13.

New awards are subject to the availability of funds.  NIMH reserves the right to make awards without discussion and to make awards only to organizations that provide technically acceptable applications.