The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), announces funding for Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21) focused on Lifestyle Medicine Research pertaining to the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, specifically addressing the health impacts of the September 11, 2001, attacks. This initiative aims to support research projects that enhance understanding and treatment of chronic diseases identified as WTC-related conditions.
Key research areas include screening methods to identify at-risk populations, lifestyle interventions for managing diseases, and program evaluations to improve WTC health initiatives. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative studies with minimal preliminary data, fostering the exploration of new methodologies or interventions.
Total funding available is approximately $4 million, with individual awards up to $500,000 over two years expected for 4 to 8 projects. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, government entities, and small businesses. The application process involves strict adherence to guidelines, ensuring submissions are scientifically distinct, ethically sound, and inclusive of underrepresented populations. This funding opportunity reflects a commitment to advancing public health research for those affected by the September 11 attacks and its associated health challenges.
The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program's Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) RFA-OH-24-002 addresses application requirements for funding aimed at health initiatives following the events of 9/11. It is a reissue of the previous RFA-OH-23-001, which has expired, and applicants are instructed to follow updated guidance for resubmissions, including the need for a 1-page Introduction to Application addressing reviewer feedback. The document clarifies the distinction between two R21 NOFOs issued for FY24: RFA-OH-24-003 focuses solely on survivors, including WTC Youth, whereas RFA-OH-24-002 includes both responders and survivors with a concentration on Lifestyle Medicine research. Each NOFO has specific financial parameters, with a maximum budget of $365K annually for two years and differing performance periods based on application type. This funding initiative demonstrates the federal government's commitment to providing health support for individuals affected by the WTC disaster through targeted research and community health programs. Overall, RFA-OH-24-002 is indicative of a structured approach to federal grants reflecting evolving needs and feedback from past funding cycles.