Promoting Access with a Language Services Assistance Symbol

The Office of Minority Health within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is forecasting the availability of funding under the Promoting Access with a Language Services Assistance Symbol initiative for Fiscal Year 2025. This discretionary grant opportunity, authorized by Section 1707 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. § 300u-6), seeks to support demonstration projects that assess the effectiveness of a universal symbol intended to indicate the availability of language assistance services in healthcare settings. The goal is to reduce barriers faced by individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) and people with communication disabilities, thus improving their access to healthcare and social services. This initiative is aligned with the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s objectives and supports Executive Order 14224. It aims to promote health equity by increasing awareness and utilization of language assistance services through the use of a standardized symbol. Language assistance services, as defined in this opportunity, include oral, written, and signed services needed to support effective communication for individuals with LEP and people with disabilities. The projects are expected to contribute to the health care communication objectives under Healthy People 2030 and encourage sustainability beyond the funding period. Demonstration projects funded through this opportunity will test the effectiveness of the symbol in prompting individuals to request assistance services and measure progress toward improved health communication. The Office of Minority Health anticipates funding five awards ranging from $500,000 to $600,000 each, with a total program funding of $3,000,000. Awards will typically be structured with 12-month budget periods, with continuation funding available based on satisfactory progress, availability of funds, and good stewardship of federal funds. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofit entities located in any U.S. state, including territories such as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and others. This includes state, county, city, township, and special district governments, public housing authorities, educational institutions, Native American tribal governments and organizations, and nonprofits regardless of 501(c)(3) status. Faith-based and community-based organizations are also eligible. Importantly, no cost sharing or matching is required for this opportunity, and participation must not be restricted based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other protected characteristics. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov no later than July 2, 2025, by 6:00 PM Eastern Time. Applicants must have active registration in SAM.gov at the time of submission. The forecasted post date is April 23, 2025, with an anticipated award date of September 15, 2025. Projects are expected to begin on September 30, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to begin the registration process early to ensure timely submission. Continuation applications will be required for multi-year funding. The point of contact for this opportunity is Stacey Williams, who can be reached at 240-453-8444 or by email at OMHGrants@hhs.gov. Further details, including updates, will be posted on Grants.gov under opportunity number MP-CPI-25-004.