National Association of Community Health Representatives

The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces a new developmental non-competitive single source Cooperative Agreement with the National Association of Community Health Representatives (NACHR). The application is for a five year project period with one year budget periods to be awarded on April 15, 2004. The initial budget period will be awarded at $90,000.00 and the entire project is expected to be awarded at $450,000.00. This award is for start up cost to research and study ways to improve the provision of health services delivery, outreach and health education for Native American people by studying ways to enhance communications among American Indian/Alaska Native communities, the IHS and Community Health Representatives (CHR) as health providers/educators/advocates; by publishing an informative newsletter for members; by coordinating and co-sponsoring a Biannual Educational Conference for CHR programs' staff; by establishing links with other national Indian organizations and with professional groups to serve as advocates for CHR providers; and by actively seeking other funding sources to ensure sustainability in pursuing its mission. Continuation awards will be made on the basis of satisfactory progress as evidenced by required reports and the availability of funds. The award is issued under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, section 301(a), and is included under the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 93.933. The specific objectives of the project are: 1. The Association will publish, at least twice a year, a newsletter for members, focusing on health promotion/disease prevention activities and models of best or improving practices. The newsletter will be available in both hard copy and electronically. 2. The Association will present a Biannual Educational Conference which supports training and continuing education for Community Health Representatives. 3. The Association will explore and implement the most efficient ways to establish links with other national Indian organizations, with professional groups and with Federal, state, and local entities to serve as advocates for the CHR providers who work with American Indian/ Alaska Natives nationwide. 4. The Association will develop and submit at least two proposals for funding that further the mission, goals, and objectives of CHR programs to address health issues in the community and enhance service delivery. These proposals may be to Federal, state, regional, national, private, and foundation entities.