Supporting Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Screening and Intervention | HRSA 24 046

FAQs: Supporting Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Screening and Intervention (HRSA-24-046)

What is the purpose of HRSA-24-046?

The purpose of HRSA-24-046 is to reduce alcohol use during pregnancy and improve health and developmental outcomes for children affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The opportunity focuses on strengthening routine health care practices so screening, intervention, and referrals related to prenatal alcohol exposure become consistent parts of everyday care.

What health issue is this program trying to address?

This program targets alcohol use during pregnancy and the resulting risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). It aims to prevent prenatal alcohol exposure when possible and improve early identification and support for children and adolescents who may have FASD.

Which communities are emphasized in this opportunity?

The program places strong emphasis on communities with higher rates of binge drinking during pregnancy. It also gives particular attention to rural areas and medically underserved populations where prevention and early identification resources may be limited.

What types of health care settings are expected to be involved?

The opportunity is centered on primary care settings and primary care practices. The intent is to build practical, lasting changes in routine care workflows so that screening and follow-up are built into everyday operations rather than done inconsistently.

Who is the program trying to train or support?

A central focus is workforce and practice improvement among Primary Care Providers (PCPs). The opportunity also targets pediatric and adolescent-serving PCPs by strengthening their skills to recognize and manage FASD and communicate effectively with families.

What provider skills or capabilities does HRSA want to expand?

HRSA is looking to expand PCP knowledge about the risks associated with alcohol use during pregnancy and increase consistent use of evidence-informed screening, brief intervention, and referral processes for high-risk pregnancies. For pediatric and adolescent-serving PCPs, HRSA wants improved recognition and management of FASD, along with stronger communication with families.

What does "screening, brief intervention, and referral" mean in the context of this opportunity?

Based on the description provided, the program is focused on implementing evidence-informed processes to (1) screen for alcohol use during pregnancy, (2) intervene when risk is identified (including brief interventions), and (3) connect patients and families to appropriate services through referrals. The emphasis is on making these steps routine and workflow-based in participating practices.

What does HRSA mean by making changes "durable" or "lasting"?

The opportunity emphasizes creating practical, lasting changes in routine health care. This includes building clear workflows, tools, and training into everyday care so screening and follow-up are not ad hoc, but embedded into standard practice operations over time.

What activities is the funded recipient expected to carry out?

HRSA expects the funded recipient to recruit participating practices and provide education and technical assistance so those practices can implement screening and intervention approaches effectively. The recipient is expected to support systems-level practice improvement over a multi-year period.

Is there a minimum scale or participation requirement?

Yes. The initiative must engage at least 80 practices over a five-year project period. This indicates HRSA intends the award to drive national or multi-region capacity-building rather than a small pilot effort.

How long is the project period?

The opportunity describes a five-year project period, including the expectation to engage at least 80 practices during that timeframe.

How many awards does HRSA expect to make?

HRSA anticipates making one award.

What is the maximum funding amount?

The award ceiling is $950,000.

What type of funding mechanism is this?

This opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement. This typically means HRSA anticipates substantial involvement in the project beyond standard grants management, such as collaboration on implementation approaches, performance monitoring, dissemination, or technical direction.

What is the funding activity category and CFDA number?

The funding activity category is health, and the CFDA number listed is 93.110.

When was the opportunity created and when was the application due?

The opportunity was created on April 3, 2024. The original application closing date listed is June 21, 2024.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes domestic public and private entities, both nonprofit and for-profit. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (including those other than small businesses) and small businesses; and federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations.

Does an applicant have to be a nonprofit to apply?

No. The eligibility description explicitly includes both nonprofit and for-profit entities, including small businesses and other for-profit organizations.

What does "domestic" mean for eligibility under this opportunity?

For this opportunity, "domestic" includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the freely associated states and territories listed in the notice, including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations are listed as eligible applicants.

Are schools or school districts eligible to apply?

Yes. Independent school districts are listed among eligible applicants.

Are colleges and universities eligible to apply?

Yes. Public and private institutions of higher education are listed among eligible applicants.

Is the program focused only on pregnancy, or does it also include pediatrics and adolescents?

It includes both. The program strengthens screening and intervention related to alcohol use in pregnancy and also supports pediatric and adolescent-serving PCPs in recognizing and managing FASD and improving communication with families.

What is meant by improving communication with families?

The opportunity signals an emphasis on helping providers deliver guidance in a supportive, understandable way. This communication component is tied to improving engagement and long-term outcomes for children and adolescents who may have FASD, alongside clinical recognition and care coordination.

Is this opportunity intended to be a small pilot project?

No. The requirement to engage at least 80 practices over five years indicates it is intended as a significant national or multi-region capacity-building effort rather than a small pilot.

What is the overall strategy HRSA is promoting through this award?

The overall strategy is systems-level impact through recruitment, education, and technical assistance that strengthens routine screening, brief intervention, and referral practices in primary care, while also improving pediatric and adolescent FASD recognition, management, and family communication.