Song-Brown Licensed Midwifery programs (LM)

The "2024-25 Licensed Midwifery Program Grant" outlines the requirements and processes for midwifery programs to apply for grant funding through the Song-Brown Program. Below is a summary of the key details: Program Background and Mission: The grants are awarded under the Song-Brown Health Care Workforce Training Act to support midwifery programs aimed at increasing the number of healthcare providers in medically underserved areas. Goals include graduating practitioners who serve in underserved communities, recruiting underrepresented groups, and establishing training sites in areas where a significant portion of patients are Medi-Cal recipients. Funding Availability and Award Information: For the 2024-25 cycle, up to $396,000 is available to support new Licensed Midwifery (LM) training programs seeking accreditation by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) or approval from the Medical Board of California (MBC). The funding is intended as a one-time grant to offset start-up costs related to obtaining MEAC accreditation or MBC approval. There is no guarantee of additional funding in subsequent years. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be establishing a new midwifery training program that is either in the process of obtaining MEAC accreditation or MBC approval, or already approved by the relevant state licensing and regulatory board. Programs must have no prior Song-Brown funding, provide a timeline for accreditation or approval, and submit a sustainability letter confirming the program's longevity beyond grant funding. Complete and accurate applications must be submitted by the deadlines specified. Application Process and Resources: The application period opens on October 24, 2024, and closes on December 5, 2024. There is an early submission option by November 21, 2024, which allows for one round of application review and feedback. A webinar will be held on October 29, 2024, to assist applicants with the process. Applications must be submitted through the electronic application system (eApp). Evaluation and Scoring: Applications are scored based on criteria that include the number of clinical training sites in underserved areas, strategies for recruiting and supporting underrepresented students, and efforts to encourage practice in underserved areas. The total possible score is 93 points, with specific points allocated for strategies related to recruitment, admission, support of students, practice encouragement, and culturally responsive training. Payment and Budget Restrictions: Grants are disbursed in two payments: 25% upon grant agreement execution and 75% upon demonstrating MEAC accreditation or MBC approval and meeting other grant conditions. Funds are restricted to costs associated with achieving accreditation or approval and may not be used to replace existing funds for primary care services. Additional Terms and Reporting Requirements: Grantees must agree to the grant terms as specified, comply with audit requirements, and submit the necessary reports. The program includes provisions for potential funding adjustments based on changes in the state budget. This grant guide provides a structured process to support midwifery programs focused on addressing healthcare needs in underserved areas, with an emphasis on increasing workforce diversity and improving service access for Medi-Cal recipients.