This notice announces the opportunity to apply for funding under the FY 2023 Maternal and Child Health Field-Initiated Innovative Research Studies (MCH FIRST) Program. The purpose of the MCH FIRST Program is to advance the health and well-being of MCH populations by supporting innovative, applied, and translational intervention research studies on critical issues affecting MCH populations. There is a significant gap in the body of rigorous evidence on effective interventions available to the MCH field. The MCH FIRST Program aims to improve health equity by supporting groundbreaking intervention research to influence clinical practice, health care services, and early interventions for underserved communities. The MCH FIRST Program provides an opportunity for researchers to explore diverse MCH topics of regional and national significance.

 The MCH FIRST program goals are to:

•  Strengthen and expand the evidence base on topics addressed by the Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant National Performance Measures (see Appendix A), HRSA MCHB’s Strategic Research Issues, Strategic Plan Goals, OR Healthy People 2030 objectives;
•  Enhance the evidence and strategies for improving health equity for all MCH populations; and
•  Address existing and new research topics of regional and national significance that highlight new data, knowledge, evidence, and strategies for addressing the burden of diseases that affect MCH populations. For more details, see Program Requirements and Expectations.

 By the end of the period of performance, the recipient will have:

•  Implemented an innovative applied or translational intervention research study in the field of MCH.
• Submitted or published at least three manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Partnered with at least one program or institution that works with underserved populations to ensure cultural competency and recruit study participants representing underserved populations.
• Disseminated results of the study to diverse stakeholders, including the study participants, outside the vehicle of peer-reviewed journals, such as blogs, reports, social media, guidelines, etc.

For more about MCHB and its Strategic Plan, see page 7 of the NOFO in Attached Files below.

• City or township governments
• County governments
• For profit organizations other than small businesses
• Independent school districts
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)
• Small businesses
• Special district governments
• State governments

Estimated Total Program Funding: