Suicide Prevention Across the Life Span in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (R34 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA MH 23 260

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA MH 23 260

Suicide Prevention Across the Life Span in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (R34 Clinical Trial Optional) is a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity (RFA-MH-23-260) that supports research aimed at reducing suicide risk and strengthening resilience in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The focus is on evaluating multilevel prevention strategies that address suicide ideation and behaviors, including self-harm and suicide attempts, across different age groups and life stages. The opportunity is built around the idea that suicide prevention in LMICs requires approaches that fit local cultures, systems, and resources, rather than simply importing interventions designed for high-income settings.

The core purpose of the grant is to fund both experimental and non-experimental studies that test or assess preventive strategies operating at more than one level. This includes individual-level approaches often described as selective prevention (targeting people or groups at elevated risk) as well as population-level or universal prevention strategies (aimed at broader communities or entire populations). NIMH is emphasizing that effective prevention in LMICs will likely require combining or coordinating interventions across settings such as health care, schools, workplaces, families, and community systems, while accounting for multiple risk factors (for example, mental health conditions, substance use, trauma exposure, social stressors) and protective factors (such as connectedness, supportive relationships, coping skills, access to care, and community-level supports).

As an R34 mechanism, the award is generally positioned as a grant type that supports early-stage or preparatory clinical research, including feasibility, pilot testing, refinement of approaches, and building the evidence base needed for larger trials or broader implementation. The listing notes "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning applicants may propose a study that includes a clinical trial component, but they are not required to do so; proposals can be designed either with or without a clinical trial depending on the research question and stage of intervention development.

In terms of funding details, the opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant in the health area (CFDA 93.242). The award ceiling is listed as $450,000, indicating the maximum anticipated funding level per award under this announcement. The original closing date was June 20, 2023, and the announcement was created on March 28, 2023. While the expected number of awards is not specified in the provided text, the ceiling and mechanism suggest a competitive, targeted call focused on generating actionable evidence for suicide prevention strategies that can work in LMIC contexts.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based and non-U.S. organizations. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; and other Native American tribal organizations. It also includes public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, nonprofit organizations (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses. The announcement explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, Indian/Native American Tribal Governments that are not federally recognized, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities, including foreign organizations. This wide eligibility aligns with the global scope of the work and the expectation that successful projects may require partnerships among academic institutions, community organizations, health systems, and government stakeholders in LMIC settings.

Overall, this opportunity is geared toward building practical, culturally responsive evidence on how to prevent suicide and promote resilience across the lifespan in LMICs by testing prevention strategies that operate at multiple levels, from targeted supports for high-risk groups to broader community or population-level approaches.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Suicide Prevention Across the Life Span in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (R34 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 2023-03-28.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-06-20. (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 $450,000.00 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 23 260

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