Regional Disability Health Clinics

The Regional Disability Health Clinic Program (RDHCP), administered by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), aims to enhance healthcare access and outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities by funding capital improvement projects. OPWDD is the state's executive agency responsible for overseeing services for people with developmental disabilities, supporting a vast network of providers. It certifies over 450 Article 16 clinics and collaborates with the Department of Health, which regulates Article 28 facilities, including hospital extension clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and Rural Health Centers (RHCs). The RDHCP provides up to $25 million in grant funding for capital projects that reduce accessibility barriers and expand access to healthcare services, including dental, medical, nursing, therapy, and other physical health services. Eligible projects include planning, construction, renovations, equipment purchases, and health information technology infrastructure, provided they meet capital expenditure criteria. Excluded costs include operational expenses, salaries, maintenance, and post-go-live IT support. Priority will be given to projects that add or expand dental services, improve wheelchair accessibility, create sensory-friendly spaces, or address healthcare deserts in underserved areas. Applicants must be not-for-profit organizations operating Article 16 or 28 clinics, including FQHCs and RHCs, and must be prequalified through the Statewide Financial System (SFS). They must not be listed on the OPWDD Early Alert list and must submit a valid NYS Operating Certificate. Applications must be submitted through SFS, and the full administrative, technical, and budget application components must be included. Addenda must also be signed and submitted with the application. The application process includes a pre-application conference and a formal question-and-answer period. A detailed technical application (Attachments 11 and 12) requires applicants to document organizational experience, community need, proposed scope of work, implementation timeline, and community engagement. Budget justification (Attachment 13) must align with proposed outcomes and allowable costs. Applications are due by **November 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. ET**. The anticipated contract start date is **March 1, 2026**, with awards tentatively announced by **February 2, 2026**. The contracts may extend up to five years. The program is expected to recur, with future cycles likely on an annual basis. All inquiries should be directed to OPWDDGrants@opwdd.ny.gov or the SFS helpdesk for technical assistance.

Emphasize priority funding areas (dental expansion, accessibility upgrades, sensory-friendly design, healthcare deserts). Ensure technical readiness and demonstrate measurable impact.