Integration of Oral Health into Prenatal Care Program (IO26) Continuation

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), through its Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health’s Oral Health Program, is offering continuation funding for the Integration of Oral Health into Prenatal Care Program (IO26). This opportunity is specifically designed to support existing subrecipients who are part of the original IO25 initiative. The continuation solicitation is aimed at enhancing oral health services during prenatal care by integrating assessments, education, and referral systems into routine prenatal visits. The funding period for this continuation cycle spans from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and represents the second year in a three-year funding cycle that began in October 2024. This program is federally funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. A total of $150,000 is available, with a maximum of $50,000 per awardee. The grant funds are intended exclusively for agencies that participated in the initial IO25 round—specifically, Columbus Neighborhood Health Centers, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Third Street Family Health Services. No new applicants will be considered, and applications submitted for less than $30,000 will be disqualified. Cost-sharing is not required for this funding. Applications must be submitted electronically via the Grants Management Information System Portal (GMISP) by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025. Faxed, mailed, or hand-delivered submissions will not be accepted. Required submission elements include a program progress report, a four-page program narrative, documentation of efforts to reduce health disparities, a detailed program budget with justification, practice site details, and information about healthcare providers involved in prenatal care delivery. Agencies must also comply with applicable state and federal laws, including cybersecurity protocols and whistleblower protections. Funding is 100% deliverables-based. Deliverables include monthly, quarterly, and final program reports detailing integration activities and outcomes. A separate evaluation deliverable, capped at $5,000, supports efforts to understand and address barriers to dental care completion among prenatal patients through surveys and outreach. Funds must not be used for unallowable expenses such as clinical services, lobbying, entertainment, or infrastructure improvements. Applications must also include certifications, civil rights surveys, and other compliance documentation, particularly for nonprofit organizations. Agencies receiving funding are required to submit regular monthly and quarterly reports on both programmatic and financial performance. Specific due dates are outlined, with the final expenditure report due by November 5, 2026. Reporting must be conducted through GMISP and must reflect accurate accounting supported by documentation. The grant program places strong emphasis on reducing health disparities and encourages alignment with the State Health Improvement Plan and other public health strategies. Priority consideration is given to programs addressing the needs of populations vulnerable to human trafficking and health inequities. For questions or assistance, applicants are directed to contact Star Sawicki, the Oral Health Integration Program Coordinator, at (614) 644-8496 or Star.Sawicki@odh.ohio.gov. A key point of contact for submission forms is Geoff Grove, who can be reached at Geoff.Grove@odh.ohio.gov. This continuation grant reinforces the state’s commitment to improving maternal health outcomes through comprehensive and equitable prenatal care services.