Model Continuums of Care Initiative (MCCI) to Advance Health Equity and End Health Disparities Among Women and Girls in Racial/Ethnic Minority and Other Underserved Communities (U34 Clinical Trials Required)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued the funding opportunity titled Model Continuums of Care Initiative (MCCI) to Advance Health Equity and End Health Disparities Among Women and Girls in Racial/Ethnic Minority and Other Underserved Communities (U34 Clinical Trials Required) under Funding Opportunity Number RFA-AA-24-012. This initiative supports the planning phase of the MCCI, a dissemination and implementation science effort to reduce health disparities and multimorbidity among racial/ethnic minority and underserved women and girls of reproductive age (15–44 years). The focus is on integrating preventive health services, primary care, behavioral health, and specialty care to address mental health disorders, substance use disorders, chronic stress, cardiopulmonary diseases, metabolic conditions, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. While not a maternal health program, MCCI emphasizes addressing health inequities prior to pregnancy or between pregnancies to improve long-term health outcomes. The program prioritizes populations with intersecting vulnerabilities, including racial/ethnic minority groups, underserved rural communities, individuals of lower socioeconomic status, sexual and gender minorities, and persons with disabilities. Special emphasis will be placed on girls in social service systems (e.g., foster care), those involved in juvenile justice, and women engaged with the criminal justice system. Projects are encouraged to use evidence-based interventions (EBIs) and community partnerships to assess and address local health disparities, surveillance needs, and barriers to care. During the U34 Planning Phase, awardees will spend up to three years establishing public-private partnerships, identifying facilitators and barriers to EBI implementation, and conducting pilot implementation research. This phase prepares for a subsequent Implementation Phase, which will fund large-scale studies to accelerate the adoption of EBIs across multiple health care domains, such as adolescent and adult mental health services, primary care, specialty care (e.g., cardiology, endocrinology), and community-based health services. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions (public and private), nonprofits, small businesses, tribal organizations, state and local governments, and other entities. Foreign institutions are not eligible. Applications must include a *Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP)*, outlining actionable strategies to incorporate inclusivity into project planning, partnerships, and participant recruitment. Applications without a PEDP will be withdrawn before review. Applicants are encouraged to partner with community organizations and minority-serving institutions. Funding for this opportunity is provided through multiple NIH components, including NIAAA, NINR, NIMHD, and NCCIH. NIAAA intends to fund up to three awards of $600,000 each, while NCCIH plans to support one award at $300,000. Total direct costs are limited to $225,000 per year and $600,000 over the three-year project period. Applications must include annual milestones and demonstrate feasibility for transitioning into the Implementation Phase. Review criteria will evaluate the significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, and environment of proposed studies, with particular emphasis on the PEDP’s alignment with project goals. Applications will be assessed for their potential to improve health outcomes, integrate EBIs across systems of care, and address social determinants of health. Successful applications will involve multidisciplinary teams, evidence-based strategies, and sustainable plans for care delivery. Key dates include the application due date of February 19, 2025, with peer review in June 2025 and funding decisions by October 2025. This NOFO aligns with NIH's broader commitment to improving health equity and addressing systemic health disparities through community-driven, integrated approaches to care for underserved women and girls. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult NIH scientific contacts for guidance prior to submission.