Firefighters Preventive Health Screening Grant Program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), through its Financial Strategy and Support Division, has announced a competitive Grant Funding Opportunity (GFO) titled “MI Firefighters Preventive Health Screening.” This program is designed to support the delivery of comprehensive preventive health screenings to Michigan’s full-time firefighters. The grant aims to facilitate early detection of occupational illnesses and improve long-term health outcomes for a workforce that faces elevated health risks due to hazardous job exposures. This initiative provides an opportunity for qualified healthcare entities to deliver these services through mobile, on-site, or local clinic-based care across the state. Eligible applicants for this grant include nonprofits, public and private entities, universities, local health departments, Urban Indian Health Clinics, and federally recognized tribes. The program specifically targets full-time employed and compensated firefighters, excluding part-paid or unpaid individuals. Services under the grant must be offered statewide using a first-come, first-served model. MDHHS has emphasized that this one-time health screening package is not intended to replace the annual medical exams recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) but rather to supplement firefighter health surveillance with an expanded, structured offering. The scope of required services under this grant is substantial and includes a wide range of screenings aligned with NFPA 1582 standards. These include comprehensive health history evaluations, physical exams, laboratory diagnostics (blood and urine analysis), cancer screenings (including mammography, PSA testing, and colorectal screenings), pulmonary function testing, spirometry, audiology, and mental health screenings. In addition to these standard components, applicants must also offer optional services such as ultrasound imaging and low-dose CT lung scans, with appropriate risk education and patient consent. All services must be provided without out-of-pocket cost to the firefighter and must be accompanied by a telehealth consultation to explain results. To apply, prospective grantees must first register on the EGrAMS system and submit a Project Director Request by April 2, 2026. Only one application per applicant is accepted. Applications must be submitted electronically through EGrAMS by April 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EST. A pre-application conference is scheduled for March 13, 2026, and technical assistance will be available until noon on the day of the deadline. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that submissions are complete and free of validation errors, as the system will not permit incomplete applications. A webinar link and detailed instructions are provided through the EGrAMS site. MDHHS will evaluate proposals based on their ability to verify firefighter eligibility, deliver the full range of required services, comply with HIPAA standards, and meet reporting and budget requirements. Applications will be reviewed by a committee and scored based on program implementation, qualifications, budget, work plans, and past experience. A minimum score of 75 out of 100 is required for award consideration. Selected applicants may be asked to revise submissions before final award agreements are issued in EGrAMS. The total funding available for this opportunity is $3.5 million, with individual awards ranging between $1 million and $3.5 million. The anticipated performance period begins July 1, 2026, and ends September 30, 2026. There is no matching requirement for applicants. MDHHS expects award notifications to be issued by May 22, 2026. This is a non-recurring, one-time funding opportunity based on a limited appropriation, and applicants exceeding their allocation will not be reimbursed for excess expenses. All program activities and expenses must adhere strictly to the guidelines provided in the GFO and related documents.

Submit early; Ensure validation errors are cleared in EGrAMS; Budget must reflect full itemized cost per firefighter and ensure all components of the health screening package are offered statewide