Greetings
The first ever Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention on November 17th, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza hotel was a huge success! Over 80 people showed up to support the cause of suicide prevention from all segments of the population. The diversity was amazing - professionals, citizens, elderly and youth and everthing in between.
The agenda for the first meeting was packed, but we managed to get throught it. Coalition members were greeted with an introduction speech by Massachusetts Coalitonf or Suicide Prevention Co-chair Kimberly Gleason who explained the state's support for our local coalition. The members then completed two surveys to get an idea of our community priorities - one on a broad scale covering all age groups, and one directed at youth suicide prevention. Afterward, all members got a chance to speak during an "open-mic" like session. I passed around the microphone as people asked questions, gave their thoughts, and shared ideas. It was a great process that connected everyone together toward a unified cause and facilitated the networking session at the end of the meeting. Many people made new contacts.
Before the next meeting scheduled for sometime in early January, I will tally the survey results and share them with the group. I will also plan to have a speaker talk about his or agency's services related to suicide prevention. We will then be on our way to creating coalition goals for the coming year. For those of you reading this who attended, I hope to see you back again, for you other, please contact me so I can add you to the list.
Also, more from the Youth Suicide Prevention Project later as we finish up some programmic goals later this week.
And as always, feel free to post your comments and to contact me - Jon Phillips - for more information at jphillips@berkshireahec.org or 413-447-2417. Thank you!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention on Nov 17th
Hello again
Exciting news! Below I pasted the flyer annoucement for the first ever Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention meeting. I hope you are intersted and can make it. Don't hesitate to let me know your thoughts about things you would like to see on the agenda. Thank you.
Have you been touched by Suicide?
Are you a survivor yourself, or through a loved one, friend, family members, co-workers? Do you work with suicidal clients? Suicides not only affect the individual but the whole community. In Massachusetts suicide deaths are three times the rate of homicides deaths. The suicide rate in rural areas like Berkshire County is higher compared to other areas of the state. Yet evidence-based research shows that suicide is preventable. The Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) is forming a coalition in Berkshire County to help reduce the suicide rate in our community. All members are invited – youth, professionals, public officials, and concerned citizens. The purpose of this coalition is to:
· Network & create partnerships to increase awareness of suicide as a preventable public heath problem;
· Reduce stigma associated with suicide as a significant barrier to help-seeking;
· Influence the provision of services directed at populations at high-risk of suicide;
· Influence public policy in regards to suicide prevention services;
· Create strategies, goals & objectives to reduce the incidence of suicide.
What: Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention Meeting
(A Project of Berkshire CHNA Youth Suicide Prevention Project)
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: Crowne Plaza, Top of the Plaza, One West Street, Pittsfield
Tuna & Chicken Salad Wraps, chips and cold drinks will be served.
Please RSVP by Thursday, November 12, 2009 to Sheila Dargie at sdargie@berkshireahec.org or (413) 447-2417
“The Key to Solving the Puzzle is Your Involvement”
For more information contact:
Jon Phillips, Project Coordinator
(413) 447-2417
jphillips@berkshireahec.org
Exciting news! Below I pasted the flyer annoucement for the first ever Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention meeting. I hope you are intersted and can make it. Don't hesitate to let me know your thoughts about things you would like to see on the agenda. Thank you.
Have you been touched by Suicide?
Are you a survivor yourself, or through a loved one, friend, family members, co-workers? Do you work with suicidal clients? Suicides not only affect the individual but the whole community. In Massachusetts suicide deaths are three times the rate of homicides deaths. The suicide rate in rural areas like Berkshire County is higher compared to other areas of the state. Yet evidence-based research shows that suicide is preventable. The Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) is forming a coalition in Berkshire County to help reduce the suicide rate in our community. All members are invited – youth, professionals, public officials, and concerned citizens. The purpose of this coalition is to:
· Network & create partnerships to increase awareness of suicide as a preventable public heath problem;
· Reduce stigma associated with suicide as a significant barrier to help-seeking;
· Influence the provision of services directed at populations at high-risk of suicide;
· Influence public policy in regards to suicide prevention services;
· Create strategies, goals & objectives to reduce the incidence of suicide.
What: Berkshire County Coalition for Suicide Prevention Meeting
(A Project of Berkshire CHNA Youth Suicide Prevention Project)
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: Crowne Plaza, Top of the Plaza, One West Street, Pittsfield
Tuna & Chicken Salad Wraps, chips and cold drinks will be served.
Please RSVP by Thursday, November 12, 2009 to Sheila Dargie at sdargie@berkshireahec.org or (413) 447-2417
“The Key to Solving the Puzzle is Your Involvement”
For more information contact:
Jon Phillips, Project Coordinator
(413) 447-2417
jphillips@berkshireahec.org
Community Needs & Assets Assessment almost complete
Hello
Just wanted to update you on the progress of the CHNA's Youth Suicide Prevention Project Streering Committee's Needs Assessment for Berkshire County. It is almost complete! We have narrowed down six possible areas of focus from info and date we collected:
1) Targeting/increasing services for the GLBTQ youth and young adult population
2) Increasing awareness and reducing stigma associated with suicide
3) Targeting/increasing substance abuse services for youth
4) Targeting/increasing ‘First Responders’ training (EMT’s, Emergency Dept staff, police, firemen and women, etc.)
5) Targeting/increasing suicide response protocols in schools, agencies, youth programs, etc.
6) Targeting programs to increase access to services for more rural and isolated populations
However these are not set in stone. We still have a month or two to go before we finalize this list and focus on providing services. Please let me know any thoughts you have about this list, and/or any suggestions you have that may not be on the list.
Thanks for tuning in and I hope to hear from you soon.
Jon Phillips, Project Coordinator
Just wanted to update you on the progress of the CHNA's Youth Suicide Prevention Project Streering Committee's Needs Assessment for Berkshire County. It is almost complete! We have narrowed down six possible areas of focus from info and date we collected:
1) Targeting/increasing services for the GLBTQ youth and young adult population
2) Increasing awareness and reducing stigma associated with suicide
3) Targeting/increasing substance abuse services for youth
4) Targeting/increasing ‘First Responders’ training (EMT’s, Emergency Dept staff, police, firemen and women, etc.)
5) Targeting/increasing suicide response protocols in schools, agencies, youth programs, etc.
6) Targeting programs to increase access to services for more rural and isolated populations
However these are not set in stone. We still have a month or two to go before we finalize this list and focus on providing services. Please let me know any thoughts you have about this list, and/or any suggestions you have that may not be on the list.
Thanks for tuning in and I hope to hear from you soon.
Jon Phillips, Project Coordinator
Friday, August 21, 2009
Great progress on the Youth Suicide Prevention Program
Hello to everyone
This is my first post since being hired as the Youth Suicide Prevention (YSP) Coordinator for Berkshire County. It's great to be a part of Berkshire AHEC. Things started off on a great note - a YSP Steering Committee has been established to complete a Community Needs & Assets Assessment for the whole county. It is a very thorough document and we plan to have it completed by October 1st, 2009. It will give us a very good idea of service gaps in the area of suicide prevention - and where we need to direct or resources. The Needs Assessment will be the tool to create services that area agencies will deliver - it's more of a grass roots approach. Funding will be provided to agencies that are best suited to deliver the suicide prevention services. There are many needs and many ways to do this. Please don't hesitate to give me your ideas on what Berkshire County can do to reduce the suicide rate in our community.
Thanks and I will return with an update right after the Needs Assessment is complete in October.
This is my first post since being hired as the Youth Suicide Prevention (YSP) Coordinator for Berkshire County. It's great to be a part of Berkshire AHEC. Things started off on a great note - a YSP Steering Committee has been established to complete a Community Needs & Assets Assessment for the whole county. It is a very thorough document and we plan to have it completed by October 1st, 2009. It will give us a very good idea of service gaps in the area of suicide prevention - and where we need to direct or resources. The Needs Assessment will be the tool to create services that area agencies will deliver - it's more of a grass roots approach. Funding will be provided to agencies that are best suited to deliver the suicide prevention services. There are many needs and many ways to do this. Please don't hesitate to give me your ideas on what Berkshire County can do to reduce the suicide rate in our community.
Thanks and I will return with an update right after the Needs Assessment is complete in October.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Coordinator has been hired
Jon Phillips has been hired as the full time Project Coordinator. Jon has degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA (MSW in Planning and Administration) and George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (BS in Clinical Psychology). He has extensive experience as a trainer/case manager working in the field of suicide prevention among youth. Welcome Jon!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Seach for Project Coordinator
A search committee made up of CHNA members and Berkshire AHEC staff are currenly conducting interviews in expectation that an applicant will be selected by the end of June.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Project Coordinator Job Positng
Part-Time Job Posting
JOB TITLE: Project Coordinator (Non-Exempt Status)
HOURS: 20 hrs. per week
COMPENSATION: $20.19 per hour with prorated benefits
SUPERVISOR: Director of Collaborations and Prevention Activities
SUMMARY: Manage and support the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the Berkshire CHNA 1 Youth Suicide Prevention Project.
DUTIES:
1. Conduct annual assessments of needs for prevention services and collaborations.
2. Support existing coalitions/collaboratives by staffing/faciliating meetings as needed.
3. Develop, implement and evaluate prevention programming.
4. Develop and implement RFR processes as required.
5. Support the CHNA’s Steering Committee.
6. Develop and implement workplan for Youth Suicide Prevention services.
7. Develop and implement marketing and outreach strategies for programming, as needed.
8. Coordinate contracting with other agencies or individuals within agency guidelines for services as needed.
9. Provide data tracking and management as needed.
10. Participate in program evaluation and planning.
11. Prepare and submit required reports on a timely basis.
12. Work collaboratively to ensure fiscal goals are met through budgeting, monitoring and reporting.
13. Maintain productive and effective communication with funders, partners, and colleagues, including review of contracts and preparation of reports.
14. Represent Berkshire AHEC at required meetings.
15. Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Bachelor’s degree in related field and five years administrative experience, or Master’s degree in related field and three years administrative experience.
2. 2 years minimum experience in project coordination with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
3. Knowledge and 3-years experience in Windows based word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
4. Ability to lift, unassisted, forty (40) pounds.
5. Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Knowledge of protective and risk factors impacting youth suicide prevention planning and service delivery.
2. Commitment to science-based prevention activities.
3. Knowledge of youth development strategies.
4. Experience working with community-based collaboratives
5. Excellent presentation skills.
6. Ability to adjust work time to meeting schedules.
7. Community organizing experience preferred.
8. Demonstrated ability to effectively work with diverse ethnic, linguistic and cultural populations.
9. Ability to work collaboratively with community-based agencies, academic institutions and other related organizations.
10. Excellent English oral and writing skills.
Send required cover letter and resume by May 5th to YSP-PC Search, Berkshire AHEC, 703 W. Housatonic Street, Suite 208, Pittsfield, MA 01201 or e-mail sdargie@berkshireahec.org with YSP-PC in subject line.
JOB TITLE: Project Coordinator (Non-Exempt Status)
HOURS: 20 hrs. per week
COMPENSATION: $20.19 per hour with prorated benefits
SUPERVISOR: Director of Collaborations and Prevention Activities
SUMMARY: Manage and support the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the Berkshire CHNA 1 Youth Suicide Prevention Project.
DUTIES:
1. Conduct annual assessments of needs for prevention services and collaborations.
2. Support existing coalitions/collaboratives by staffing/faciliating meetings as needed.
3. Develop, implement and evaluate prevention programming.
4. Develop and implement RFR processes as required.
5. Support the CHNA’s Steering Committee.
6. Develop and implement workplan for Youth Suicide Prevention services.
7. Develop and implement marketing and outreach strategies for programming, as needed.
8. Coordinate contracting with other agencies or individuals within agency guidelines for services as needed.
9. Provide data tracking and management as needed.
10. Participate in program evaluation and planning.
11. Prepare and submit required reports on a timely basis.
12. Work collaboratively to ensure fiscal goals are met through budgeting, monitoring and reporting.
13. Maintain productive and effective communication with funders, partners, and colleagues, including review of contracts and preparation of reports.
14. Represent Berkshire AHEC at required meetings.
15. Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Bachelor’s degree in related field and five years administrative experience, or Master’s degree in related field and three years administrative experience.
2. 2 years minimum experience in project coordination with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
3. Knowledge and 3-years experience in Windows based word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
4. Ability to lift, unassisted, forty (40) pounds.
5. Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Knowledge of protective and risk factors impacting youth suicide prevention planning and service delivery.
2. Commitment to science-based prevention activities.
3. Knowledge of youth development strategies.
4. Experience working with community-based collaboratives
5. Excellent presentation skills.
6. Ability to adjust work time to meeting schedules.
7. Community organizing experience preferred.
8. Demonstrated ability to effectively work with diverse ethnic, linguistic and cultural populations.
9. Ability to work collaboratively with community-based agencies, academic institutions and other related organizations.
10. Excellent English oral and writing skills.
Send required cover letter and resume by May 5th to YSP-PC Search, Berkshire AHEC, 703 W. Housatonic Street, Suite 208, Pittsfield, MA 01201 or e-mail sdargie@berkshireahec.org with YSP-PC in subject line.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
CHNA 1 Funded
We are happy to announce that DPH has awarded our CHNA with a grant for this purpose. A first meeting with DPH will be May 12th. Time to be announced. We will be formulating a steering committee to oversee this work. If you have interest please contact Tim Diehl at tdiehl@berkshireahec.org. Thank you.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Misson Accomplished...
Thank you to all who participated in this effort. The proposal was completed on Wednesday morning as planned and overnighted to DPH. If you want, I am happy to provide you a pdf of the complete submission. Let's hope for the best!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Narrative Draft Response
NOTE: With only 10 pages, double spaced, 11pt font it was a challenge to get this amount of info. Please review the related questions so you can see what is being answered.
Question 3 Response. a) The Community Health Network of Berkshire County was formed in 1994 after DPH officials met with local agencies and stakeholders in the county. Bylaws were drafted and passed by the membership, and have had one revision in 2003. The organization today is comprised of more than 45 health-related organizations, area hospitals, human service agencies, school systems, local and state Boards of Health, state legislators, two state agencies, etc. The CHNA maintains a networking focus which engenders effective collaborations among health and human service organizations in
b) Member Organizations: Berkshire County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, Berkshire County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Berkshire AHEC, Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire County Boards of Health Association, Berkshire Housing Services Berkshire County Kids Place, Berkshire Grown Berkshire Hills Regional School District, Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Boys and Girls Club, Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Central Berkshire Regional School District , Community Health Programs, Berkshire South Community Center, Community Health Association of Richmond and West Stockbridge Elder Services of the Berkshire County, Pittsfield Public Schools, Mt. Greylock School District, Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, Ralph Froio Senior Center, REACH Community Health Foundation, Hospice Care of the Berkshires, Tri-Town Health Department, Pediatric Development Center, Tapestry Health Systems, Northern Berkshire Health Systems, Ecu-Health Care, Adams-Cheshire Regional School District, North Adams Public Schools, Head Start, Child Care of the Berkshires, Girls Inc., Lee Public Schools, Lee VNA, The Insurance Partnership UMass School of Nursing Communities Family and Youth Program, Western Mass. Center for Healthy Communities, Berkshire County House of Correction, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, WIC, Columbia County (NY) Department of Health, Office of Medicaid.
All members of the CHNA will participate in the assessment and planning by providing information and data, be eligible to serve on the steering committee for this project, and, receive and review progress reports of this project. Some members are positioned to provide services directly funded from this project and other members will continue to provide related services through other sources of funding. Other non-member organizations and collaborations will be active partners with the CHNA.
c) An Executive Committee, made up of three members (
d) The CHNA convenes a monthly meeting, usually the 2nd Monday of the month (exceptions are Monday holidays). The meetings are held at the Hillcrest Campus of Berkshire Medical Center in
e) In
The CHNA developed and distributed a survey to all county physicians, law enforcement agencies and human service agencies in order to document the impact of alcohol and other drugs on their work. The results were reported in local media. Two Sourcebooks were developed by the CHNA, one for physicians’ offices and one for human service agencies, on the recognition, diagnosis, treatment and referral of patients or clients who use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Orientation and training sessions were held throughout the county for health and human service providers regarding the use of the Human Service Sourcebooks. The Physician Sourcebooks were distributed to a majority of the physicians in the county for their use with their patients. The Advocacy for Access Program is an ongoing health care access outreach/assistance program created in partnership with Berkshire Health Systems in 1997, initially concentrating its efforts in central
Question 4 Response. a) Berkshire Area Health Education Center (AHEC) has been, since the mid 1990’s, and remains an active CHNA1 member.
b) Berkshire AHEC commits staff time to provide leadership and support for our CHNA.
The Executive Director and another designated staff representative have, over many years, been active in the CHNA by attending and actively participating in meetings, sometimes with two representatives present. In the absence of the other CHNA leadership, Berkshire AHEC representatives have facilitated our meetings. Berkshire AHEC staff have convened and hosted work groups and committees. An example is when we, as a CHNA, indicated a concern/interest in childhood obesity. Berkshire AHEC volunteered to convene a CHNA committee to strategize how we might address the issue from a CHNA perspective. It was decided to conduct a mapping project (assessment). On behalf of the CHNA, Berkshire AHEC submitted over a dozen requests for funding the project.
c) Yes. Berkshire AHEC is a leader in collaborative and coalition support and development. Berkshire AHEC, since its inception thirty years ago, has a history of creating and supporting community coalitions and partnering with other community-based agencies in advancing strategies to improve the health of our communities. For over 20 years, Berkshire AHEC has contracted by the Department of Public Health to provide support and facilitation to five community coalitions. Since 1984 until 2007, the Model Community Coalition grant funded four active and thriving community coalitions/ collaborations. In 1994, as co-lead agency with the Berkshire Council on Alcoholism and Additions, Berkshire AHEC created the Berkshire County Tobacco Control Coalition which coordinated tobacco cessation, awareness and prevention education for several years. Berkshire AHEC, as the lead agency, in 1999 received a three-year MassCALL grant for the purposes of implementing programming that used scientifically defensible prevention methods to reduce alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among youth. Strategies were developed with area at-risk youth and their families utilizing a youth development approach.
Berkshire AHEC is the provider of a DPH funded Youth Access to Tobacco Prevention Program serving 20 cities/towns in
All these aforementioned activities, past and present, involved other CHNA members. Berkshire AHEC is keenly aware and skilled in working collaboratively to advance common areas of concern.
d) Berkshire AHEC was chosen to be the lead at a special meeting on January 16, 2009. Berkshire AHEC petitioned CHNA members to be the lead because of it’s: mission compatibility; similar roles in the past; experience in the provision of suicide prevention work; long and active role in the CHNA; commitment to evidence-based service delivery and best practices; administrative and fiscal capacity; history of working as a provider of DPH contracted services; role in promoting cultural competency; and, ongoing collaborations with higher education institutions.
e) Berkshire AHEC has a record of “clean” audits. The organization has managed grants of all sizes, from federal, state, private and local sources, often involving sub-contracting. Berkshire AHEC has an established and positive record within the Department of Public Health for timely and complete reporting, both programmatically and fiscally. Highly qualified and experienced staff manages grants and prepare fiscal reports. Berkshire AHEC has experience in multiple methods of reporting utilizing varied software applications and databases. Berkshire AHEC maintains current technology resources that support efficient record keeping and reporting. Berkshire AHEC is a financially strong and stable organization. Organizational and financial data is available through www.GuideStar.org.
f) Berkshire AHEC will be responsible for preparing monthly activities reports for the Department.
g) Berkshire AHEC has a history of providing DPH funded youth suicide prevention services. In January 2002 Berkshire AHEC was the recipient of funding through its Berkshire Coalition to Prevent Teen Pregnancy project for suicide prevention activities with high-risk youth. Through an open bid process, Berkshire AHEC awarded a subcontract to the
Question 5 Response.
CHNA member agencies include several agencies providing suicide prevention or related services. In addition we have identified other agencies that will bring their specific experience in clinical work, prevention activities, such as youth development and related work, such as violence prevention, foster care, etc. For a description of the range and depth of experience of the other CHNA member agencies in providing suicide prevention or related services please review the attached Partner forms.
Question 6 Response. Berkshire AHEC's mission statement and DPH profile (attachment x).
Question 7 Response.
Effectively identifying the youth priority populations within our CHNA region will be accomplished through the assessment process of our project. Below is data demonstrating the need for this project.
| | During the past 12 months, did you ever seriously consider attempting suicide? | During the past 12 months, did you make a plan about how you would attempt suicide? | During the past 12 months, did you actually attempt suicide? | If you attempted suicide during the past 12 months, did any attempt result in an injury, poisoning or overdose that had to be treated by a doctor or nurse? |
| MassCHIP Statewide 2005 Data | 12.7% | 11.7% | n/a | 2.4% |
| 2006 | 12.7% | 11.1% | 4.4% | 1.5% |
| 2007 | 13.4% | 10.0% | 3.3% | 3.0% |
| 10th grade highest Data | 16.7% | 16.1% | 5.7% | 4.1% |
Available data comparing youth perceptions (self-reported) of their mental health from the 2006 and 2007 Prevention Needs Assessment for
Needs exists in our area for the following priority youth populations:
a) youth involved with the foster care and juvenile justice system;
Data is not readily available but anecdotal evidence suggests this as a priority population.
b) youth who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and /or transgender, or questioning;
2.2% of youth report they have been discriminated against or harassed by other students, teachers or school staff because “my sexual orientation.” [2]
c) youth who are or have been victims of dating violence, sexual abuse, bullying , violence in the community or other types of victimization;
6.2% of youth reported that, during the last 12 months, their boyfriend or girlfriend had slapped or physically hurt them on purpose. 10.9% of youth reported that, during the last 12 months they we in a physical fight on school property. 2
d) youth with substance abuse issues or mental illness.
In response to the question “if you were referred to someone because of a mental health issue, did you seek help?”, 10.2 % responded that they received services and 13.6% responded that they were referred but did not receive help.[3]
45.8% of youth self reported as using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs during their lifetime as compared with an Monitoring the Future (MTF) national average of 41.9%.3
Other priority populations may be identified in the assessment process. Overall, the percentage of students reporting risk factors qualifying as “high risk youth” was a 52.8% average.3
Question 8 Response. a) On behalf of the CHNA, a steering committee will be created made up of 5-7 member agencies committed to the success of this program. The purpose of this committee will be to monitor, support and report back to the CHNA the activities of this program. It will meet more often in the early months of the program to support the startup and create working procedures and relations with the lead agency. Berkshire AHEC will hire a project coordinator, with steering committee participation. The person, as outlined in the job description (attachment x) will act as the primary liaison between the CHNA’s steering committee and the lead agency. Periodically other lead agency staff will be available to bring information to the steering committee such as financial reports, budgets, and contracting information.
The steering committee will report to the CHNA membership on a basis to be established by the CHNA at its regularly scheduled meetings.
Some Partners are current members of the CHNA. Other Partners may not have been active in the CHNA but their work is important to the overall success of our work.
A project coordinator will be hired by Berkshire AHEC in conjunction with CHNA steering committee members. See attached job description (Attachment x)
b) On behalf of our CHNA, Berkshire AHEC will leverage its role as a member of the
c) The CHNA steering committee will receive project reports from the project coordinator on a routine basis to be established by the committee. These reports will be based upon an approved workplan by the CHNA and DPH. Reports will focus on progress in achieving measureable outcomes. Financial reports will also be routinely provided as established by the CHNA steering committee showing expenditures as compared to budget. The CHNA steering committee will present summary reports to the full CHNA membership at its regular meetings. Evaluations will be important in keeping us on target and meeting our outcomes.
Berkshire AHEC provides financial internal controls as reviewed annually by their auditor who reports annually to their Board of Directors. Management structure and supervisory relationships are clear. Supervision meetings occur at least once a month, usually two times a month, between supervisor and supervisee. Staff evaluations are conducted annually. The Project Coordinator will be supervised by Berkshire AHEC’s Director of Collaborations and Prevention Activities. (Job Description and resume Attachment x and x) See supervisory chart (Attachment x).
Question 9 Response. Berkshire AHEC is a founding member and supporter of Cross Cultural Action Network (CCAN), an informal network of cross-cultural individuals and organizations that support immigrants and other minority groups in the Berkshires. The group is committed to making the Berkshires a welcoming community through events, advocacy and education.
In order to promote culturally appropriate health care delivery, Berkshire AHEC provides Medical Interpreter Training in the languages of Spanish, Portuguese and Russian in Berkshire,
Berkshire AHEC is active in promoting Health Literacy on a statewide basis. Staff is trained in basic health literacy skills. Examples of trainings promoting cultural competence provided by Berkshire AHEC: Enhancing Cross Cultural Communication in Health Care, March 23, 2007; Applied Health Literacy: Choosing and Using Patient Education Materials, April 8, 2008; Genes vs. Racism: Exploring the Root Causes of Radial Inequalities in Health, January 15, 2009.
Berkshire AHEC deliverables include material review utilizing health literacy standards, translation and interpretation services. In addition Berkshire AHEC employs bicultural staff proficient in Spanish, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. Berkshire AHEC’s Executive Director was a volunteer chapter reviewer for DPH’s newly developed Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Initiative’s manual, Making CLAS Happen: Six Areas for Action.
Question 10 Response.
April 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009
The budget of $40,692 seeks contract funding in the amount of $37,528. This first start up period allocates resources to allow for the hiring of the project coordinator (advertising cost and 2 months salary and fringe), sub-contracts for partner capacity building and support, support costs for planning, and fiscal agency administrative costs. In-kind is provided initially by Berkshire AHEC at 8.4% or $3164.
July 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009
This second period budget of $45,931 seeks contract funding in the amount of $42,472 and continues to provide support for the project coordinator (3 months salary and fringe), sub-contracts for partner capacity building and support, planning support and fiscal agency administrative costs. In-kind is provided by Berkshire AHEC at 8.2% or $3459.
[1] Conducted by Bach Harrison, LLC,
[2] Ibid, 2007
[3] Conducted by Bach Harrison, LLC,
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Intention of this Blog
My intent with the creation of this blog is to create an interactive forum to develop this grant proposal on behalf of our CHNA1 as a collaborative process. I have posted the DPH published grant description in its entirety using its subheadings to allow for ease of navigation. Together, let's use this as a tool for creating a well conceived proposal with your valuable input. I will be posting a complete draft proposal not later than February 6th for your reveiw and comment. The due date is February 12th.
APPLICATION FOR GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES (PP OBJECT CLASS)
APPLICATION FOR GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES (PP OBJECT CLASS)
Name/Title of Grant: Youth Suicide Prevention
Document File Number: 906311
1. Description or Purpose of Grant:
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Massachusetts Youth Suicide Prevention Project, seeks to reduce the rate of suicide mortality among young people ages 10-24. Its goal is to increase the capacities of communities disproportionately affected by suicide to develop more effective early intervention and response systems.
To achieve our goal, the project has five objectives and strategies: (1) Through an RFR process, select three Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs) from the eight who are eligible. The CHNAs must designate a lead agency which will also be the fiscal agent for the CHNA. (2) Through an assessment and planning process each CHNA selected will identify priority populations and develop a plan and timeline for targeted prevention and postvention activities with the priority populations. (3) Each of the three CHNAs will build capacity for suicide prevention activities among staff of local agencies, gatekeepers and other stakeholders through training and technical assistance. (4) Each CHNA selected will develop and implement interventions that (a) Raise awareness among community members and key stakeholders about suicide prevention and postvention needs and resources. (b) Reach at-risk youth and families with early intervention activities. (c) Offer postvention support to survivor families and peers. (d) Support the development of regional suicide prevention coalitions. (5) The CHNAs will work with MDPH to develop a system that enables suspected youth suicides to be reported quickly to MDPH which will coordinate postvention services to appropriate community systems that support survivors and manage the risk of suicide contagion.
The Massachusetts Youth Suicide Prevention Program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Substance abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), #2U79SM057402-04.
2. Contact Information
Contact Person: Christine M. Farrell-O'Reilly
Title: Injury Prevention and Control Program
Address: MA Department of Public Health
250 Washington St., 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone #: (617) 624-6076
Fax #: (617) 624-5075
E-mail or Internet Address: christine.farrell-o'reilly@state.ma.us
3. Anticipated Payment Methodology:
Lump Sum
Periodic Scheduled Installments
Disbursement of periodic scheduled installments contingent upon timely submission of program reports, fiscal reports, and other deliverables to be negotiated at time of award.
Cost Reimbursement Other (specify):
4. Whether Single Or Multiple Grantees Are Required For Grant(s)
Single Grantee or Multiple Grantees
5. Expected Duration Of Grant (Initial Duration and Any Options to Renew)
(Subject to appropriation or the availability of sufficient non-appropriated funds under the grant funding authority)
Initial Duration: up to 6 months
Approximately April 1, 2009- September 30, 2009
Renewal options: 2 option to renew for approximately 12 months each.
(October 1, 2009- September 30, 2011)
Final End Date of this Procurement: September 30, 2011
6. Anticipated Expenditures, Funding or Compensation For Expected Duration
Please include the Estimated Value of the Grant (Including Anticipated Renewal Options)
Estimated total value of the grant for the thirty-one month period is approximately $900,000 which may be increased or decreased based on funding availability. Grant amounts will be approximately $80,000- $110,000 per year. (Approximately $80,000 in year 1 and approximately $110,000 in year 2 and in year 3) It is estimated that a minimum of three (3) eligible CHNAs will be awarded grants. See section 7 below for eligibility criteria. Each CHNA will designate a lead agency who will also serve as the fiscal agent for the CHNA. The grants will be paid in three installments for each grant year.
(Year 1 = 6 or 7 months, Years 2 & 3 = 12 months)
Will Federal Funds be used to fund any part of Grant(s)? NO, YES (If YES, to what extent?): Currently fully funded by federal funds, state funds could potentially be added at a later date.
Grantees receiving federal grant funds will be considered sub-recipients for federal grant purposes and will be required to comply with applicable federal requirements, including but not limited to sub-recipient audit requirements under OMB Circular a-133.
Capital Funds:
Capital Funds must be disbursed on a cost reimbursement basis unless the amount can be received and expended by the grantee within 60 days (in order to avoid arbitrage) and the funds are held in a non-interest bearing account.
Funds Balance Forward Requirement for Capital, Trust and Federal Accounts Only [Programs Designate]:
This contract provides that any funds designated in the budget that are unspent in any Massachusetts state fiscal year will automatically be available for expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year.
7. Eligibility
In Massachusetts, the risk for suicide mortality and morbidity varies significantly by region, so the project targets the eight (8) CHNAs (out of 27) with youth suicide rates or rates of non-fatal self-inflicted injury higher than those in the state and nation.
Applications will be accepted from eligible Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs). Only one application may be submitted from each eligible CHNA.
The CHNA will designate a lead agency that will also be the fiscal agent with the responsibility for managing the funds and providing reports to MDPH. The agency must have the fiscal and administrative capacity to manage the grant on behalf of the CHNA. The CHNA membership will need to include some or all of the following: youth-serving or family-serving agencies including schools, institutions of higher learning, hospitals and health centers, municipal government, social service agencies, first responders, police, substance abuse and mental health agencies, survivor organizations, neighborhood groups, advocacy agencies, the Centers for Healthy Communities, and faith-based organizations. The Department of Youth Services, the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Mental Health and/or agencies that have contracts to work with the populations those agencies serve, should also be included even if they have not been part of the CHNA in the past.
The following eight Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs) are eligible to apply. The lead agency designated by the CHNA must be located or have a local office within and serving the populations in the following areas:
CHNA 1: Community Health Network of Berkshire County, including the cities/towns of: Adams, Alford, Becket, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Dalton, Egremont, Florida, Great Barrington, Hancock, Hinsdale, Lanesborough, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Ashford, New Marlborough, North Adams, Otis, Peru, Pittsfield, Richmond, Sandisfield, Savoy, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, Washington, West Stockbridge, Williamstown and Windsor.
CHNA 5: Southern Worcester County, including the cities/towns of: Brimfield, Brookfield, Charlton, Dudley, East Brookfield, Holland, North Brookfield, Oxford, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Wales, Warren, Webster and West Brookfield.
CHNA 9: Community Health Network of Central Massachusetts, including the cities/towns of: Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Barre, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hardwick, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, New Braintree, Oakham, Pepperell, Princeton, Rutland, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.
CHNA 12: Greater Haverhill Community Health Network, including the cities/towns of: Amesbury, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury.
CHNA 15: NorthWest Suburban Health Alliance, including the cities/towns of: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn.
CHNA 24: Greater Attleboro-Taunton Health Education, including the cities/towns of: Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, Lakeville, Mansfield, Middleborough, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk and Taunton.
CHNA 25: Partners for Healthier Communities, including the cities/towns of: Fall River, Somerset, Swansea and Westport.
CHNA 27: Cape Cod and Islands Health Network, including the cities/towns of: Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Chilmark, Dennis, Eastham, Edgartown, Falmouth, Gay Head, Gosnold, Harwich, Mashpee, Nantucket, Oak Bluffs, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Tisbury, Truro, Wellfleet, West Tisbury, Yarmouth.
8. Award Information
All of the cities/towns in the CHNA must be included in the proposed activities. The lead agency/fiscal agent must have the fiscal and administrative capacity to manage the grant. Only one application may be submitted from each eligible CHNA.
The MDPH will contract with the organization for the initial 6-7 month period and if the contractor remains in good standing throughout that period, MDPH will amend the contract for the next year. If the contractor is not in good standing, MDPH reserves the right not to amend the contract for subsequent years.
9. Performance Requirements
Priority Population:
The priority population for this project is youth aged 10-24 who are one or more of the following:
a) youth in the community involved with or at risk of becoming involved with the foster care or juvenile justice systems;
b) sexual minority youth, including those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender, or questioning;
c) youth who are or have been victims of dating violence, sexual abuse, bullying, violence in the community or other types of victimization;
d) Native American youth;
e) youth with disabilities;
f) youth with substance abuse issues or mental illness; and
g) other priority populations as identified in the area assessments completed as part of this project.
All award recipients will be required to complete the following activities within the three year grant period:
1. Conduct Assessment and Planning: (Year 1) Through an assessment and planning process each of the three CHNAs accepted, with the support of MDPH, will:
(a) Identify and describe priority populations at highest risk for suicide, and resources and strategies for reaching them. Though each CHNA will develop and carry out its own area-specific process, we expect that the basic components will include:
Identifying and inviting people to be part of the planning process.
Working with the local health departments, other community resources and MDPH to determine which youth populations are dying or making suicide attempts, and by what means. Special attention must be paid to the priority populations identified in this application, but local data may also lead the partnership to identify additional priority populations.
Identifying existing resources for prevention, assessment, crisis intervention and treatment. Also identifying obstacles to engaging the resources.
Creating a plan that considers universal, selective and indicated prevention strategies. (See 3b below for definitions)
Choosing a process to measure prevention strategies to determine effectiveness.
Identifying additional sources of financial or in-kind support that might be needed to implement and sustain prevention strategies.
MDPH will provide assistance with the assessment by engaging an evaluator who will develop an assessment tool and provide training in how to use it.
(b) Develop a strategic suicide prevention plan and timeline for targeted prevention and postvention activities with the priority populations over the next two years of the project. The plan will include a person or agency designated with responsibility for the activity, budget and timeline. Since project resources are limited, each CHNA will prioritize its strategies to ensure that the most promising strategies are implemented first. The plans will include components that address:
training and other capacity-building needs,
intervention strategies, and
the development of a timely, routine notification and response system.
MDPH and an evaluator will provide assistance in the development of the plan.
(c) Engage the local and regional partners necessary to reach the target population and carry out the prevention plan. While each CHNA's response to the RFR will include a description of its members, MDPH expects that additional members will be added to strengthen the CHNA and help it engage its priority populations. For example, if a region’s intervention plan includes a focus on GLBTQ youth, the CHNA may utilize the expertise of its membership and/or find new members who can help it engage and intervene with this population. Or if a key component is an indicated prevention program that helps to connect individual at-risk youth to mental health and substance abuse services, the CHNA will need to ensure that local providers of those services are fully engaged in the CHNA. The Department of Children and Families (DCF, formerly DSS), the Department of Youth Services (DYS), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), or agencies contracted by those Departments, should also be involved in this process.
Each CHNA must engage at least one university or community college to participate in the project assessment, planning and intervention activities. If applicable, the CHNA may partner with one of the schools of social work that has been conducting suicide prevention education under our current SAMHSA-funded suicide prevent project. The participating schools of social work are at Salem State College, Boston University, Simmons College and Springfield College.
2. Increase Capacity-building: (Year 1, 2 & 3) Through training and technical assistance for the awardees and their member agencies, in cooperation with MDPH and the project evaluator, a further goal will be to increase capacity among at least 90 agencies and 3,000 agency staff, gatekeepers and other stakeholders within the three CHNAs to plan and implement effective suicide prevention interventions.
3. Implement Prevention and Postvention: (Year 2 & 3) Following the assessment and planning phase the CHNAs will develop and implement interventions which:
(a) Raise awareness among community members and key stakeholders about suicide prevention and
postvention needs and resources. Area awareness strategies could include: collaborating with media outlets to cover topics related to suicide as a public health issue and to help educate the public about suicide prevention; promoting awareness of suicide as a public health issue through community-based organizations; and educating policy makers and the general population about suicide as a public health issue using forums and awareness events.
(b) Reach at least 9,000 youth and families within the three CHNAs with early intervention activities. The types of strategies could include:
(i) Universal suicide prevention programs, which target and benefit everyone in the
community irrespective of their suicide risk. Some examples include educational materials, workshops, building resiliency, and mental health services.
(ii) Selective prevention programs benefit priority groups whose members have a
significantly higher risk of developing suicidal behaviors, e.g. youth who are in foster care, youth involved with the juvenile justice system, and GLBT youth.
(iii) Indicated prevention programs, which target and benefit identified high-risk individuals
or those who already exhibit suicidal behavior, such as a recent suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.
(c) Offer postvention support to survivor families and peers in twenty-five incidents of youth suicide
within the three CHNAs. Postvention can take many forms depending on the situation in which the suicide takes place. Schools and colleges may include postvention strategies in overall crisis plans. Individual and support groups may be offered for people affected by the suicide of an individual.
Postvention includes measures to prevent suicide attempts by friends, loved ones, and others in the aftermath of a suicide. These may include activities to:
(i) alleviate the distress of suicidally bereaved individuals;
(ii) reduce the risk of imitative suicidal behavior and;
(iii) promote the healthy recovery of the affected community.
(d) Support the development of regional suicide prevention coalitions. During this project, the
Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) and MDPH will work with the three selected CHNAs to develop regional suicide prevention coalitions in the three participating areas. The CHNAs will be expected to support the growth and development of the regional coalitions. In tern, these regional suicide prevention coalitions will serve to sustain the efforts of the CHNAs beyond the life of the funded project.
4. Develop a timely, routine notification and response system: MDPH will work with the CHNAs to ensure that the majority of suspected youth suicides are reported to MDPH within 48 hours of occurrence and to coordinate postvention services for the appropriate community systems (schools, workplaces, and others), to support survivors and manage the risk of suicide contagion.
5. Provide monthly reports to MDPH on project activities and periodic budget reports and comply with evaluation requirements. MDPH will provide a service delivery report form to be completed by the awardees monthly. Periodic spending reports will be required. The awardees must comply with all SAMHSA evaluation requirements. An evaluator will be hired to assist the awardees with these requirements.
10. Response Requirements
The CHNAs responding to this RFR are required to submit the following information. Use no more than 10 pages, doubled spaced, including budget information, not including attachments and in no less than 11 point font.
1. Cover Sheet- Use form provided under the forms tab.
2. Partner Agencies Form- One of these forms must be completed by each agency that will be a partner in the project indicating their willingness to participate. Forms are provided under the forms tab.
(Neither these forms nor the other required forms will not count toward the 10 page limit.)
Please answer the following questions in order. You do not need to repeat the question, but please provide the question number for each answer (i.e. 3a, 3b, etc.).
3. Provide a description of the CHNA. Include:
a) a brief history;
b) a list of member agencies/organizations with an indication of which specific members will be participating in this project;
c) leadership structure and individuals involved as leaders;
d) meeting frequency and duration (for example; monthly, bi-monthly, two-hour meetings) and location of meetings;
e) an example of a CHNA project involving a number of its members that involved assessment, planning and implementation of the plan. (No more than one page.)
4. Describe the lead agency's history of involvement with the CHNA. Include:
a) How long the agency has been involved with the CHNA?
b) How active the agency has been in the CHNA? (For example, was a staff person designated a as the CHNA representative, how often the agency representative attends meetings, the agency representative takes minutes, provided meeting space, chaired a committee, etc.)
c) Has the agency collaborated with other CHNA members on any projects, services,
etc.? If yes, please describe.
d) Why was this agency/organization chosen by the CHNA to be the lead?
e) Describe the lead agency/fiscal agent's capacity to manage the grant and prepare budget reports on spending.
f) Will the lead agency be responsible for preparing monthly activities reports for MDPH? If not, who will be responsible?
g) Describe the range and depth of experience of the lead agency in providing suicide prevention or related services, if any.
5. Describe the range and depth of experience of the other CHNA member agencies in providing suicide prevention or related services. Also include:
a) the names and locations of agencies that provide suicide prevention or related services, the
populations they serve and the services they provide;
OR
b) if suicide prevention/intervention is a new issue for the CHNA members, please describe the suicide prevention agencies and services the CHNA would involve;
c) a list of staff who would be involved in this project, their roles and resumes if available.
6. Provide a copy of the lead agency's mission statement. If the agency has a DPH profile, please attach a copy in the appendix. (These will not count toward the 10 page limit.)
7. Identify the youth priority populations within the CHNA region.
8. Describe:
a) How the lead agency and the CHNA member agencies will work together on this project.
b) Provide a plan for including, within 60 days of the award, at least one university, community college, or funded School of Social Work (Salem State, Boston University, Simmons College and Springfield College) in your area that will participate in the project assessment, planning and intervention activities. Specify the name and location of the college or university, a contact person and their title.
c) Indicate the types of quality control mechanisms that will ensure appropriate oversight
and management of the project.
9. Provide evidence that in engaging and intervening with youth and families in the area the contact/service/training will be culturally and linguistically appropriate.
10. Provide two program budgets which include a narrative description of how grant funds will be used, one for expenditures from April 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009 and a second for the period
July 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009. The two budgets together should total no more than $80,000 not including any in-kind contributions that may be reflected in the budget. Use forms provided under the forms tab.
11. Instructions for Submission of Responses:
For your response use no more than 10 pages doubled spaced (not including the cover page, budgets, and other attachments) in no less than 11 point font.
One original ( not double-sided) and 4 typed, unbound, complete copies of the proposal (copies may be double-sided), responding to all the information requested, must be received by:
Christine M. Farrell-O'Reilly
Injury Prevention Program
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
Bound copies will not be accepted. Faxed materials will not be accepted. E-mail versions will not be accepted.
12. DEADLINE FOR RESPONSES
Indicate Deadline Date: February 12, 2009
Indicate Deadline Time: 4:00 pm
Proposals must be received at the address above by the date and time specified.
Will a Bidders Conference be offered? No YES (Indicate Date, Time and Place):
Will opportunity for written questions be offered? No YES
Questions must be submitted in writing by 5 pm on January 22, 2008
Submit your questions by mail, fax or e-mail to:
Christine M. Farrell-O'Reilly
MA Department of Public Health
250 Washington St, 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
Fax : (617) 624-5075
e-mail: christine.farrell-o'reilly@state.ma.us
Receipt of questions will be acknowledged by e-mail. Responses will be posted on Comm-PASS within one week of submission.
To view the answers to the written questions you will need to:
1. Go to www.comm-pass.com
2. At the bottom of the screen, click on the “Search for Solicitations” link.
3. This will bring you to a Search screen. Enter the RFR number XXXXX in the “Document Number” box (middle of screen) and click on “Search”.
4. A result message will appear towards the top of the screen (in small blue letters). Click on this message.
5. This brings you to the Search Result screen. Select the document you are interested in by clicking on the eyeglass icon.
6. This will bring you to the RFR. The RFR document itself, as well as any related questions and answers, can be accessed through the “Specifications” tab. All required forms for the RFR will be found at the “Forms & Terms” tab.
The forms listed on the Comm-PASS “Forms & Terms” screen for this grant application are required to be submitted with the application.
The forms are:
1) Cover Sheet
2) Partner Agencies Form
3) Commonwealth Terms and Conditions
4) Electronic Funds Transfer
5) W9 -Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
(If your agency already has forms 3-5 above on file with the Comptroller, please provide a copy.)
6) Read the instructions before completing the Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing
7) Program Budget Forms
8) Confidentiality Agreement
Name/Title of Grant: Youth Suicide Prevention
Document File Number: 906311
1. Description or Purpose of Grant:
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Massachusetts Youth Suicide Prevention Project, seeks to reduce the rate of suicide mortality among young people ages 10-24. Its goal is to increase the capacities of communities disproportionately affected by suicide to develop more effective early intervention and response systems.
To achieve our goal, the project has five objectives and strategies: (1) Through an RFR process, select three Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs) from the eight who are eligible. The CHNAs must designate a lead agency which will also be the fiscal agent for the CHNA. (2) Through an assessment and planning process each CHNA selected will identify priority populations and develop a plan and timeline for targeted prevention and postvention activities with the priority populations. (3) Each of the three CHNAs will build capacity for suicide prevention activities among staff of local agencies, gatekeepers and other stakeholders through training and technical assistance. (4) Each CHNA selected will develop and implement interventions that (a) Raise awareness among community members and key stakeholders about suicide prevention and postvention needs and resources. (b) Reach at-risk youth and families with early intervention activities. (c) Offer postvention support to survivor families and peers. (d) Support the development of regional suicide prevention coalitions. (5) The CHNAs will work with MDPH to develop a system that enables suspected youth suicides to be reported quickly to MDPH which will coordinate postvention services to appropriate community systems that support survivors and manage the risk of suicide contagion.
The Massachusetts Youth Suicide Prevention Program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Substance abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), #2U79SM057402-04.
2. Contact Information
Contact Person: Christine M. Farrell-O'Reilly
Title: Injury Prevention and Control Program
Address: MA Department of Public Health
250 Washington St., 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone #: (617) 624-6076
Fax #: (617) 624-5075
E-mail or Internet Address: christine.farrell-o'reilly@state.ma.us
3. Anticipated Payment Methodology:
Lump Sum
Periodic Scheduled Installments
Disbursement of periodic scheduled installments contingent upon timely submission of program reports, fiscal reports, and other deliverables to be negotiated at time of award.
Cost Reimbursement Other (specify):
4. Whether Single Or Multiple Grantees Are Required For Grant(s)
Single Grantee or Multiple Grantees
5. Expected Duration Of Grant (Initial Duration and Any Options to Renew)
(Subject to appropriation or the availability of sufficient non-appropriated funds under the grant funding authority)
Initial Duration: up to 6 months
Approximately April 1, 2009- September 30, 2009
Renewal options: 2 option to renew for approximately 12 months each.
(October 1, 2009- September 30, 2011)
Final End Date of this Procurement: September 30, 2011
6. Anticipated Expenditures, Funding or Compensation For Expected Duration
Please include the Estimated Value of the Grant (Including Anticipated Renewal Options)
Estimated total value of the grant for the thirty-one month period is approximately $900,000 which may be increased or decreased based on funding availability. Grant amounts will be approximately $80,000- $110,000 per year. (Approximately $80,000 in year 1 and approximately $110,000 in year 2 and in year 3) It is estimated that a minimum of three (3) eligible CHNAs will be awarded grants. See section 7 below for eligibility criteria. Each CHNA will designate a lead agency who will also serve as the fiscal agent for the CHNA. The grants will be paid in three installments for each grant year.
(Year 1 = 6 or 7 months, Years 2 & 3 = 12 months)
Will Federal Funds be used to fund any part of Grant(s)? NO, YES (If YES, to what extent?): Currently fully funded by federal funds, state funds could potentially be added at a later date.
Grantees receiving federal grant funds will be considered sub-recipients for federal grant purposes and will be required to comply with applicable federal requirements, including but not limited to sub-recipient audit requirements under OMB Circular a-133.
Capital Funds:
Capital Funds must be disbursed on a cost reimbursement basis unless the amount can be received and expended by the grantee within 60 days (in order to avoid arbitrage) and the funds are held in a non-interest bearing account.
Funds Balance Forward Requirement for Capital, Trust and Federal Accounts Only [Programs Designate]:
This contract provides that any funds designated in the budget that are unspent in any Massachusetts state fiscal year will automatically be available for expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year.
7. Eligibility
In Massachusetts, the risk for suicide mortality and morbidity varies significantly by region, so the project targets the eight (8) CHNAs (out of 27) with youth suicide rates or rates of non-fatal self-inflicted injury higher than those in the state and nation.
Applications will be accepted from eligible Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs). Only one application may be submitted from each eligible CHNA.
The CHNA will designate a lead agency that will also be the fiscal agent with the responsibility for managing the funds and providing reports to MDPH. The agency must have the fiscal and administrative capacity to manage the grant on behalf of the CHNA. The CHNA membership will need to include some or all of the following: youth-serving or family-serving agencies including schools, institutions of higher learning, hospitals and health centers, municipal government, social service agencies, first responders, police, substance abuse and mental health agencies, survivor organizations, neighborhood groups, advocacy agencies, the Centers for Healthy Communities, and faith-based organizations. The Department of Youth Services, the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Mental Health and/or agencies that have contracts to work with the populations those agencies serve, should also be included even if they have not been part of the CHNA in the past.
The following eight Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs) are eligible to apply. The lead agency designated by the CHNA must be located or have a local office within and serving the populations in the following areas:
CHNA 1: Community Health Network of Berkshire County, including the cities/towns of: Adams, Alford, Becket, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Dalton, Egremont, Florida, Great Barrington, Hancock, Hinsdale, Lanesborough, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Ashford, New Marlborough, North Adams, Otis, Peru, Pittsfield, Richmond, Sandisfield, Savoy, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, Washington, West Stockbridge, Williamstown and Windsor.
CHNA 5: Southern Worcester County, including the cities/towns of: Brimfield, Brookfield, Charlton, Dudley, East Brookfield, Holland, North Brookfield, Oxford, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Wales, Warren, Webster and West Brookfield.
CHNA 9: Community Health Network of Central Massachusetts, including the cities/towns of: Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Barre, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hardwick, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, New Braintree, Oakham, Pepperell, Princeton, Rutland, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.
CHNA 12: Greater Haverhill Community Health Network, including the cities/towns of: Amesbury, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury.
CHNA 15: NorthWest Suburban Health Alliance, including the cities/towns of: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn.
CHNA 24: Greater Attleboro-Taunton Health Education, including the cities/towns of: Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, Lakeville, Mansfield, Middleborough, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk and Taunton.
CHNA 25: Partners for Healthier Communities, including the cities/towns of: Fall River, Somerset, Swansea and Westport.
CHNA 27: Cape Cod and Islands Health Network, including the cities/towns of: Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Chilmark, Dennis, Eastham, Edgartown, Falmouth, Gay Head, Gosnold, Harwich, Mashpee, Nantucket, Oak Bluffs, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Tisbury, Truro, Wellfleet, West Tisbury, Yarmouth.
8. Award Information
All of the cities/towns in the CHNA must be included in the proposed activities. The lead agency/fiscal agent must have the fiscal and administrative capacity to manage the grant. Only one application may be submitted from each eligible CHNA.
The MDPH will contract with the organization for the initial 6-7 month period and if the contractor remains in good standing throughout that period, MDPH will amend the contract for the next year. If the contractor is not in good standing, MDPH reserves the right not to amend the contract for subsequent years.
9. Performance Requirements
Priority Population:
The priority population for this project is youth aged 10-24 who are one or more of the following:
a) youth in the community involved with or at risk of becoming involved with the foster care or juvenile justice systems;
b) sexual minority youth, including those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender, or questioning;
c) youth who are or have been victims of dating violence, sexual abuse, bullying, violence in the community or other types of victimization;
d) Native American youth;
e) youth with disabilities;
f) youth with substance abuse issues or mental illness; and
g) other priority populations as identified in the area assessments completed as part of this project.
All award recipients will be required to complete the following activities within the three year grant period:
1. Conduct Assessment and Planning: (Year 1) Through an assessment and planning process each of the three CHNAs accepted, with the support of MDPH, will:
(a) Identify and describe priority populations at highest risk for suicide, and resources and strategies for reaching them. Though each CHNA will develop and carry out its own area-specific process, we expect that the basic components will include:
Identifying and inviting people to be part of the planning process.
Working with the local health departments, other community resources and MDPH to determine which youth populations are dying or making suicide attempts, and by what means. Special attention must be paid to the priority populations identified in this application, but local data may also lead the partnership to identify additional priority populations.
Identifying existing resources for prevention, assessment, crisis intervention and treatment. Also identifying obstacles to engaging the resources.
Creating a plan that considers universal, selective and indicated prevention strategies. (See 3b below for definitions)
Choosing a process to measure prevention strategies to determine effectiveness.
Identifying additional sources of financial or in-kind support that might be needed to implement and sustain prevention strategies.
MDPH will provide assistance with the assessment by engaging an evaluator who will develop an assessment tool and provide training in how to use it.
(b) Develop a strategic suicide prevention plan and timeline for targeted prevention and postvention activities with the priority populations over the next two years of the project. The plan will include a person or agency designated with responsibility for the activity, budget and timeline. Since project resources are limited, each CHNA will prioritize its strategies to ensure that the most promising strategies are implemented first. The plans will include components that address:
training and other capacity-building needs,
intervention strategies, and
the development of a timely, routine notification and response system.
MDPH and an evaluator will provide assistance in the development of the plan.
(c) Engage the local and regional partners necessary to reach the target population and carry out the prevention plan. While each CHNA's response to the RFR will include a description of its members, MDPH expects that additional members will be added to strengthen the CHNA and help it engage its priority populations. For example, if a region’s intervention plan includes a focus on GLBTQ youth, the CHNA may utilize the expertise of its membership and/or find new members who can help it engage and intervene with this population. Or if a key component is an indicated prevention program that helps to connect individual at-risk youth to mental health and substance abuse services, the CHNA will need to ensure that local providers of those services are fully engaged in the CHNA. The Department of Children and Families (DCF, formerly DSS), the Department of Youth Services (DYS), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), or agencies contracted by those Departments, should also be involved in this process.
Each CHNA must engage at least one university or community college to participate in the project assessment, planning and intervention activities. If applicable, the CHNA may partner with one of the schools of social work that has been conducting suicide prevention education under our current SAMHSA-funded suicide prevent project. The participating schools of social work are at Salem State College, Boston University, Simmons College and Springfield College.
2. Increase Capacity-building: (Year 1, 2 & 3) Through training and technical assistance for the awardees and their member agencies, in cooperation with MDPH and the project evaluator, a further goal will be to increase capacity among at least 90 agencies and 3,000 agency staff, gatekeepers and other stakeholders within the three CHNAs to plan and implement effective suicide prevention interventions.
3. Implement Prevention and Postvention: (Year 2 & 3) Following the assessment and planning phase the CHNAs will develop and implement interventions which:
(a) Raise awareness among community members and key stakeholders about suicide prevention and
postvention needs and resources. Area awareness strategies could include: collaborating with media outlets to cover topics related to suicide as a public health issue and to help educate the public about suicide prevention; promoting awareness of suicide as a public health issue through community-based organizations; and educating policy makers and the general population about suicide as a public health issue using forums and awareness events.
(b) Reach at least 9,000 youth and families within the three CHNAs with early intervention activities. The types of strategies could include:
(i) Universal suicide prevention programs, which target and benefit everyone in the
community irrespective of their suicide risk. Some examples include educational materials, workshops, building resiliency, and mental health services.
(ii) Selective prevention programs benefit priority groups whose members have a
significantly higher risk of developing suicidal behaviors, e.g. youth who are in foster care, youth involved with the juvenile justice system, and GLBT youth.
(iii) Indicated prevention programs, which target and benefit identified high-risk individuals
or those who already exhibit suicidal behavior, such as a recent suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.
(c) Offer postvention support to survivor families and peers in twenty-five incidents of youth suicide
within the three CHNAs. Postvention can take many forms depending on the situation in which the suicide takes place. Schools and colleges may include postvention strategies in overall crisis plans. Individual and support groups may be offered for people affected by the suicide of an individual.
Postvention includes measures to prevent suicide attempts by friends, loved ones, and others in the aftermath of a suicide. These may include activities to:
(i) alleviate the distress of suicidally bereaved individuals;
(ii) reduce the risk of imitative suicidal behavior and;
(iii) promote the healthy recovery of the affected community.
(d) Support the development of regional suicide prevention coalitions. During this project, the
Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) and MDPH will work with the three selected CHNAs to develop regional suicide prevention coalitions in the three participating areas. The CHNAs will be expected to support the growth and development of the regional coalitions. In tern, these regional suicide prevention coalitions will serve to sustain the efforts of the CHNAs beyond the life of the funded project.
4. Develop a timely, routine notification and response system: MDPH will work with the CHNAs to ensure that the majority of suspected youth suicides are reported to MDPH within 48 hours of occurrence and to coordinate postvention services for the appropriate community systems (schools, workplaces, and others), to support survivors and manage the risk of suicide contagion.
5. Provide monthly reports to MDPH on project activities and periodic budget reports and comply with evaluation requirements. MDPH will provide a service delivery report form to be completed by the awardees monthly. Periodic spending reports will be required. The awardees must comply with all SAMHSA evaluation requirements. An evaluator will be hired to assist the awardees with these requirements.
10. Response Requirements
The CHNAs responding to this RFR are required to submit the following information. Use no more than 10 pages, doubled spaced, including budget information, not including attachments and in no less than 11 point font.
1. Cover Sheet- Use form provided under the forms tab.
2. Partner Agencies Form- One of these forms must be completed by each agency that will be a partner in the project indicating their willingness to participate. Forms are provided under the forms tab.
(Neither these forms nor the other required forms will not count toward the 10 page limit.)
Please answer the following questions in order. You do not need to repeat the question, but please provide the question number for each answer (i.e. 3a, 3b, etc.).
3. Provide a description of the CHNA. Include:
a) a brief history;
b) a list of member agencies/organizations with an indication of which specific members will be participating in this project;
c) leadership structure and individuals involved as leaders;
d) meeting frequency and duration (for example; monthly, bi-monthly, two-hour meetings) and location of meetings;
e) an example of a CHNA project involving a number of its members that involved assessment, planning and implementation of the plan. (No more than one page.)
4. Describe the lead agency's history of involvement with the CHNA. Include:
a) How long the agency has been involved with the CHNA?
b) How active the agency has been in the CHNA? (For example, was a staff person designated a as the CHNA representative, how often the agency representative attends meetings, the agency representative takes minutes, provided meeting space, chaired a committee, etc.)
c) Has the agency collaborated with other CHNA members on any projects, services,
etc.? If yes, please describe.
d) Why was this agency/organization chosen by the CHNA to be the lead?
e) Describe the lead agency/fiscal agent's capacity to manage the grant and prepare budget reports on spending.
f) Will the lead agency be responsible for preparing monthly activities reports for MDPH? If not, who will be responsible?
g) Describe the range and depth of experience of the lead agency in providing suicide prevention or related services, if any.
5. Describe the range and depth of experience of the other CHNA member agencies in providing suicide prevention or related services. Also include:
a) the names and locations of agencies that provide suicide prevention or related services, the
populations they serve and the services they provide;
OR
b) if suicide prevention/intervention is a new issue for the CHNA members, please describe the suicide prevention agencies and services the CHNA would involve;
c) a list of staff who would be involved in this project, their roles and resumes if available.
6. Provide a copy of the lead agency's mission statement. If the agency has a DPH profile, please attach a copy in the appendix. (These will not count toward the 10 page limit.)
7. Identify the youth priority populations within the CHNA region.
8. Describe:
a) How the lead agency and the CHNA member agencies will work together on this project.
b) Provide a plan for including, within 60 days of the award, at least one university, community college, or funded School of Social Work (Salem State, Boston University, Simmons College and Springfield College) in your area that will participate in the project assessment, planning and intervention activities. Specify the name and location of the college or university, a contact person and their title.
c) Indicate the types of quality control mechanisms that will ensure appropriate oversight
and management of the project.
9. Provide evidence that in engaging and intervening with youth and families in the area the contact/service/training will be culturally and linguistically appropriate.
10. Provide two program budgets which include a narrative description of how grant funds will be used, one for expenditures from April 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009 and a second for the period
July 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009. The two budgets together should total no more than $80,000 not including any in-kind contributions that may be reflected in the budget. Use forms provided under the forms tab.
11. Instructions for Submission of Responses:
For your response use no more than 10 pages doubled spaced (not including the cover page, budgets, and other attachments) in no less than 11 point font.
One original ( not double-sided) and 4 typed, unbound, complete copies of the proposal (copies may be double-sided), responding to all the information requested, must be received by:
Christine M. Farrell-O'Reilly
Injury Prevention Program
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
Bound copies will not be accepted. Faxed materials will not be accepted. E-mail versions will not be accepted.
12. DEADLINE FOR RESPONSES
Indicate Deadline Date: February 12, 2009
Indicate Deadline Time: 4:00 pm
Proposals must be received at the address above by the date and time specified.
Will a Bidders Conference be offered? No YES (Indicate Date, Time and Place):
Will opportunity for written questions be offered? No YES
Questions must be submitted in writing by 5 pm on January 22, 2008
Submit your questions by mail, fax or e-mail to:
Christine M. Farrell-O'Reilly
MA Department of Public Health
250 Washington St, 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
Fax : (617) 624-5075
e-mail: christine.farrell-o'reilly@state.ma.us
Receipt of questions will be acknowledged by e-mail. Responses will be posted on Comm-PASS within one week of submission.
To view the answers to the written questions you will need to:
1. Go to www.comm-pass.com
2. At the bottom of the screen, click on the “Search for Solicitations” link.
3. This will bring you to a Search screen. Enter the RFR number XXXXX in the “Document Number” box (middle of screen) and click on “Search”.
4. A result message will appear towards the top of the screen (in small blue letters). Click on this message.
5. This brings you to the Search Result screen. Select the document you are interested in by clicking on the eyeglass icon.
6. This will bring you to the RFR. The RFR document itself, as well as any related questions and answers, can be accessed through the “Specifications” tab. All required forms for the RFR will be found at the “Forms & Terms” tab.
The forms listed on the Comm-PASS “Forms & Terms” screen for this grant application are required to be submitted with the application.
The forms are:
1) Cover Sheet
2) Partner Agencies Form
3) Commonwealth Terms and Conditions
4) Electronic Funds Transfer
5) W9 -Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
(If your agency already has forms 3-5 above on file with the Comptroller, please provide a copy.)
6) Read the instructions before completing the Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing
7) Program Budget Forms
8) Confidentiality Agreement
1. Description or Purpose of Grant
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Massachusetts Youth Suicide Prevention Project, seeks to reduce the rate of suicide mortality among young people ages 10-24. Its goal is to increase the capacities of communities disproportionately affected by suicide to develop more effective early intervention and response systems.
To achieve our goal, the project has five objectives and strategies: (1) Through an RFR process, select three Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs) from the eight who are eligible. The CHNAs must designate a lead agency which will also be the fiscal agent for the CHNA. (2) Through an assessment and planning process each CHNA selected will identify priority populations and develop a plan and timeline for targeted prevention and postvention activities with the priority populations. (3) Each of the three CHNAs will build capacity for suicide prevention activities among staff of local agencies, gatekeepers and other stakeholders through training and technical assistance. (4) Each CHNA selected will develop and implement interventions that (a) Raise awareness among community members and key stakeholders about suicide prevention and postvention needs and resources. (b) Reach at-risk youth and families with early intervention activities. (c) Offer postvention support to survivor families and peers. (d) Support the development of regional suicide prevention coalitions. (5) The CHNAs will work with MDPH to develop a system that enables suspected youth suicides to be reported quickly to MDPH which will coordinate postvention services to appropriate community systems that support survivors and manage the risk of suicide contagion.
The Massachusetts Youth Suicide Prevention Program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Substance abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), #2U79SM057402-04.
2. Contact Information
Contact Person: Christine M. Farrell-O'Reilly
Title: Injury Prevention and Control Program
Address: MA Department of Public Health
250 Washington St., 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone #: (617) 624-6076
Fax #: (617) 624-5075
E-mail or Internet Address: christine.farrell-o'reilly@state.ma.us
To achieve our goal, the project has five objectives and strategies: (1) Through an RFR process, select three Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs) from the eight who are eligible. The CHNAs must designate a lead agency which will also be the fiscal agent for the CHNA. (2) Through an assessment and planning process each CHNA selected will identify priority populations and develop a plan and timeline for targeted prevention and postvention activities with the priority populations. (3) Each of the three CHNAs will build capacity for suicide prevention activities among staff of local agencies, gatekeepers and other stakeholders through training and technical assistance. (4) Each CHNA selected will develop and implement interventions that (a) Raise awareness among community members and key stakeholders about suicide prevention and postvention needs and resources. (b) Reach at-risk youth and families with early intervention activities. (c) Offer postvention support to survivor families and peers. (d) Support the development of regional suicide prevention coalitions. (5) The CHNAs will work with MDPH to develop a system that enables suspected youth suicides to be reported quickly to MDPH which will coordinate postvention services to appropriate community systems that support survivors and manage the risk of suicide contagion.
The Massachusetts Youth Suicide Prevention Program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Substance abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), #2U79SM057402-04.
2. Contact Information
Contact Person: Christine M. Farrell-O'Reilly
Title: Injury Prevention and Control Program
Address: MA Department of Public Health
250 Washington St., 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone #: (617) 624-6076
Fax #: (617) 624-5075
E-mail or Internet Address: christine.farrell-o'reilly@state.ma.us
2. Contact Information
Contact Person: Christine M. Farrell-O'Reilly
Title: Injury Prevention and Control Program
Address: MA Department of Public Health
250 Washington St., 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone #: (617) 624-6076
Fax #: (617) 624-5075
E-mail or Internet Address: christine.farrell-o'reilly@state.ma.us
Title: Injury Prevention and Control Program
Address: MA Department of Public Health
250 Washington St., 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone #: (617) 624-6076
Fax #: (617) 624-5075
E-mail or Internet Address: christine.farrell-o'reilly@state.ma.us
3. Anticipated Payment Methodology
5. Expected Duration Of Grant (Initial Duration and Any Options to Renew)
(Subject to appropriation or the availability of sufficient non-appropriated funds under the grant funding authority)
Initial Duration: up to 6 months
Approximately April 1, 2009- September 30, 2009
Renewal options: 2 option to renew for approximately 12 months each.
(October 1, 2009- September 30, 2011)
Final End Date of this Procurement: September 30, 2011
Initial Duration: up to 6 months
Approximately April 1, 2009- September 30, 2009
Renewal options: 2 option to renew for approximately 12 months each.
(October 1, 2009- September 30, 2011)
Final End Date of this Procurement: September 30, 2011
6. Anticipated Expenditures, Funding or Compensation For Expected Duration
Please include the Estimated Value of the Grant (Including Anticipated Renewal Options)
Estimated total value of the grant for the thirty-one month period is approximately $900,000 which may be increased or decreased based on funding availability. Grant amounts will be approximately $80,000- $110,000 per year. (Approximately $80,000 in year 1 and approximately $110,000 in year 2 and in year 3) It is estimated that a minimum of three (3) eligible CHNAs will be awarded grants. See section 7 below for eligibility criteria. Each CHNA will designate a lead agency who will also serve as the fiscal agent for the CHNA. The grants will be paid in three installments for each grant year.
(Year 1 = 6 or 7 months, Years 2 & 3 = 12 months)
Will Federal Funds be used to fund any part of Grant(s)? NO, YES (If YES, to what extent?): Currently fully funded by federal funds, state funds could potentially be added at a later date.
Grantees receiving federal grant funds will be considered sub-recipients for federal grant purposes and will be required to comply with applicable federal requirements, including but not limited to sub-recipient audit requirements under OMB Circular a-133.
Capital Funds:
Capital Funds must be disbursed on a cost reimbursement basis unless the amount can be received and expended by the grantee within 60 days (in order to avoid arbitrage) and the funds are held in a non-interest bearing account.
Funds Balance Forward Requirement for Capital, Trust and Federal Accounts Only [Programs Designate]:
This contract provides that any funds designated in the budget that are unspent in any Massachusetts state fiscal year will automatically be available for expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year.
Estimated total value of the grant for the thirty-one month period is approximately $900,000 which may be increased or decreased based on funding availability. Grant amounts will be approximately $80,000- $110,000 per year. (Approximately $80,000 in year 1 and approximately $110,000 in year 2 and in year 3) It is estimated that a minimum of three (3) eligible CHNAs will be awarded grants. See section 7 below for eligibility criteria. Each CHNA will designate a lead agency who will also serve as the fiscal agent for the CHNA. The grants will be paid in three installments for each grant year.
(Year 1 = 6 or 7 months, Years 2 & 3 = 12 months)
Will Federal Funds be used to fund any part of Grant(s)? NO, YES (If YES, to what extent?): Currently fully funded by federal funds, state funds could potentially be added at a later date.
Grantees receiving federal grant funds will be considered sub-recipients for federal grant purposes and will be required to comply with applicable federal requirements, including but not limited to sub-recipient audit requirements under OMB Circular a-133.
Capital Funds:
Capital Funds must be disbursed on a cost reimbursement basis unless the amount can be received and expended by the grantee within 60 days (in order to avoid arbitrage) and the funds are held in a non-interest bearing account.
Funds Balance Forward Requirement for Capital, Trust and Federal Accounts Only [Programs Designate]:
This contract provides that any funds designated in the budget that are unspent in any Massachusetts state fiscal year will automatically be available for expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year.
7. Eligibility
In Massachusetts, the risk for suicide mortality and morbidity varies significantly by region, so the project targets the eight (8) CHNAs (out of 27) with youth suicide rates or rates of non-fatal self-inflicted injury higher than those in the state and nation.
Applications will be accepted from eligible Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs). Only one application may be submitted from each eligible CHNA.
The CHNA will designate a lead agency that will also be the fiscal agent with the responsibility for managing the funds and providing reports to MDPH. The agency must have the fiscal and administrative capacity to manage the grant on behalf of the CHNA. The CHNA membership will need to include some or all of the following: youth-serving or family-serving agencies including schools, institutions of higher learning, hospitals and health centers, municipal government, social service agencies, first responders, police, substance abuse and mental health agencies, survivor organizations, neighborhood groups, advocacy agencies, the Centers for Healthy Communities, and faith-based organizations. The Department of Youth Services, the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Mental Health and/or agencies that have contracts to work with the populations those agencies serve, should also be included even if they have not been part of the CHNA in the past.
The following eight Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs) are eligible to apply. The lead agency designated by the CHNA must be located or have a local office within and serving the populations in the following areas:
CHNA 1: Community Health Network of Berkshire County, including the cities/towns of: Adams, Alford, Becket, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Dalton, Egremont, Florida, Great Barrington, Hancock, Hinsdale, Lanesborough, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Ashford, New Marlborough, North Adams, Otis, Peru, Pittsfield, Richmond, Sandisfield, Savoy, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, Washington, West Stockbridge, Williamstown and Windsor.
CHNA 5: Southern Worcester County, including the cities/towns of: Brimfield, Brookfield, Charlton, Dudley, East Brookfield, Holland, North Brookfield, Oxford, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Wales, Warren, Webster and West Brookfield.
CHNA 9: Community Health Network of Central Massachusetts, including the cities/towns of: Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Barre, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hardwick, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, New Braintree, Oakham, Pepperell, Princeton, Rutland, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.
CHNA 12: Greater Haverhill Community Health Network, including the cities/towns of: Amesbury, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury.
CHNA 15: NorthWest Suburban Health Alliance, including the cities/towns of: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn.
CHNA 24: Greater Attleboro-Taunton Health Education, including the cities/towns of: Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, Lakeville, Mansfield, Middleborough, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk and Taunton.
CHNA 25: Partners for Healthier Communities, including the cities/towns of: Fall River, Somerset, Swansea and Westport.
CHNA 27: Cape Cod and Islands Health Network, including the cities/towns of: Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Chilmark, Dennis, Eastham, Edgartown, Falmouth, Gay Head, Gosnold, Harwich, Mashpee, Nantucket, Oak Bluffs, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Tisbury, Truro, Wellfleet, West Tisbury, Yarmouth.
Applications will be accepted from eligible Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs). Only one application may be submitted from each eligible CHNA.
The CHNA will designate a lead agency that will also be the fiscal agent with the responsibility for managing the funds and providing reports to MDPH. The agency must have the fiscal and administrative capacity to manage the grant on behalf of the CHNA. The CHNA membership will need to include some or all of the following: youth-serving or family-serving agencies including schools, institutions of higher learning, hospitals and health centers, municipal government, social service agencies, first responders, police, substance abuse and mental health agencies, survivor organizations, neighborhood groups, advocacy agencies, the Centers for Healthy Communities, and faith-based organizations. The Department of Youth Services, the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Mental Health and/or agencies that have contracts to work with the populations those agencies serve, should also be included even if they have not been part of the CHNA in the past.
The following eight Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs) are eligible to apply. The lead agency designated by the CHNA must be located or have a local office within and serving the populations in the following areas:
CHNA 1: Community Health Network of Berkshire County, including the cities/towns of: Adams, Alford, Becket, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Dalton, Egremont, Florida, Great Barrington, Hancock, Hinsdale, Lanesborough, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Ashford, New Marlborough, North Adams, Otis, Peru, Pittsfield, Richmond, Sandisfield, Savoy, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, Washington, West Stockbridge, Williamstown and Windsor.
CHNA 5: Southern Worcester County, including the cities/towns of: Brimfield, Brookfield, Charlton, Dudley, East Brookfield, Holland, North Brookfield, Oxford, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Wales, Warren, Webster and West Brookfield.
CHNA 9: Community Health Network of Central Massachusetts, including the cities/towns of: Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Barre, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hardwick, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, New Braintree, Oakham, Pepperell, Princeton, Rutland, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.
CHNA 12: Greater Haverhill Community Health Network, including the cities/towns of: Amesbury, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury.
CHNA 15: NorthWest Suburban Health Alliance, including the cities/towns of: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn.
CHNA 24: Greater Attleboro-Taunton Health Education, including the cities/towns of: Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, Lakeville, Mansfield, Middleborough, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk and Taunton.
CHNA 25: Partners for Healthier Communities, including the cities/towns of: Fall River, Somerset, Swansea and Westport.
CHNA 27: Cape Cod and Islands Health Network, including the cities/towns of: Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Chilmark, Dennis, Eastham, Edgartown, Falmouth, Gay Head, Gosnold, Harwich, Mashpee, Nantucket, Oak Bluffs, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Tisbury, Truro, Wellfleet, West Tisbury, Yarmouth.
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