The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is accepting applications for grants under its Maternal and Child Health Collaborative Office Rounds (MCH COR) opportunity. The program is premised on evidence showing that approximately one in four children between four months and five years of age are at risk of developmental, behavioral, or social delays, and primary care providers are often not skilled in identifying these delays unless they are severe. Accordingly, the aim of the program is to support continuing education for community-based, primary care providers so that they are prepared to identify and address psychosocial development challenges in children.

HRSA anticipates awarding 10 grants. The project period is five years and begins July 1, 2017. Applicants may request up to $15,000 per year. Applications are due March 20, 2017, and require a proposed MCH COR curriculum or detailed plan of continuing education topics.

This solicitation was informed by an evaluation of the MCH COR program conducted in 2016. The evaluation studied the performance of grantees from FY 2011 to FY 2016 to identify the program’s impact, as well as challenges. The evaluation affirmed that this model, which encourages joining pediatric and psychiatry professionals in communication, education and collaboration, is effective for enhancing the competence of primary care providers. To read about previously funded MCH COR projects, click here.