Enhancing Timely Data Reporting, Quality, and Use in Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Surveillance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities and Division of Human Development and Disability, is seeking applications for the *Enhancing Timely Data Reporting, Quality, and Use in Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Surveillance* funding opportunity (CDC-RFA-DD-25-0157). The funding supports state-level programs in improving the quality of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Information Systems (EHDI-IS) and ensuring timely data reporting and use. The program focuses on reducing delays in diagnosis and early intervention services for infants who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) and strengthening the capacity for EHDI data collection and analysis. Additionally, a subset of funded states will incorporate language and communication outcome data into their systems to better assess developmental outcomes. The program has two components. Component A focuses on enhancing EHDI-IS data quality and integration, strengthening collaborations with partners such as hospitals, audiologists, and early intervention providers, and using data to address disparities and delays in hearing screening, diagnosis, and enrollment in intervention services. Component B, which is optional, supports the integration of language or communication outcomes data into EHDI-IS systems. Applicants must apply for Component A to be considered for Component B. Both components aim to ensure high-quality, timely data that can guide program improvements and inform efforts to minimize developmental delays in infants who are D/HH. The total anticipated funding for Component A is $33,150,000 over a five-year period, with $6,630,000 available annually to fund approximately 39 awards. Annual awards will range between $150,000 and $190,000, with an average of $170,000 per recipient. For Component B, the expected total funding is $1,875,000 over five years, with $375,000 available annually to fund up to 5 awards. Annual awards for Component B will range from $50,000 to $100,000, with an average of $75,000 per recipient. The five-year period consists of five 12-month budget periods. Awards are contingent upon available funding and program priorities. Eligible applicants for this program include state, county, city, and township governments, as well as special district governments and bona fide agents of state and territorial governments. Applicants must have public health authority or legislative mandates to conduct Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) activities and collaborate with multiple data reporting sources. To be eligible for Component A, applicants must submit a letter of verification from Vital Records confirming a minimum of 5,000 annual births (from calendar year 2022) and demonstrate the ability to collect and report on Tier 1 patient-level data items biannually. Applicants for Component B must provide a letter verifying their program's six-month early intervention benchmark of at least 40.9% in 2022. The application deadline is March 6, 2025, with an optional letter of intent due by January 10, 2025. An informational call will take place on December 12, 2024, to assist applicants. Awards are expected to be announced by June 1, 2025, with funded activities starting on July 1, 2025. Applications that fail to include the required verification documents for Components A or B will be deemed non-responsive and will not proceed to review. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to help states use high-quality data to identify gaps and barriers in newborn hearing screening and intervention services. By strengthening data systems, integrating developmental outcome measures, and fostering collaborations with partners, the program aims to improve EHDI benchmarks: hearing screening by one month, diagnosis by three months, and enrollment in intervention services by six months (EHDI 1-3-6). The program supports efforts to reduce disparities, improve access to early hearing care, and enhance developmental outcomes for children who are D/HH.