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MDCH Releases RFPs for Health Innovation Fund, Mental Health First Aid Training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 7, 2013

LANSING – The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) today announced two Requests for Proposals (RFP). One of the RFPs is for organizations interested in applying for Health Innovation Grant funds for one-time projects up to $35,000 that demonstrate an innovative approach to improving the delivery of Michigan’s health services. The additional RFP is for organizations interested in providing the Mental Health First Aid training in Michigan.

For the Health Innovation Grant RFP, MDCH plans to award grant funding to approximately 30-40 projects. The Health Innovation Grants are intended to stimulate creativity and allow for the ability to bridge the gap between creative, collaborative ideas and their implementation. Michigan has a broad number of public health priorities that must be addressed creatively to shape the future health of Michigan’s citizens, and these grants strive to address these priorities.

In addition, Governor Snyder has called upon the MDCH to take a close look at mental health services in Michigan. Mental Health First Aid training is an evidence-based and internationally recognized program that has been shown to greatly increase the understanding of mental health issues. MDCH is seeking vendors to deliver training in urban regions of the state including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kalamazoo, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Genesee, Saginaw, Battle Creek, Kent, and Muskegon counties. This training applies to community members and organizations, education systems, law enforcement, faith communities, healthcare, and parents.

MDCH expects to increase the number of individuals trained in Michigan with the hopes that Mental Health First Aid will become a common training statewide, just as regular first aid trainings are. Mental Health First Aid Training has the potential to reduce stigma, improve mental health literacy, empower individuals, and all over strengthen Michigan communities.

For the Health Innovation Grant RFP, MDCH is looking for projects that may be replicated and have clearly defined outcomes. Bidders are encouraged to include matching funds in their proposal in support of their proposed initiative. Questions from potential bidders are due by Oct. 16, and all applications are due Oct. 30. For more information about the RFP, visit http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,4612,7-132-63157_3149-313233--,00.html.

For the Mental Health First Aid RFP, all applications are due by Oct. 28. For more information about the RFP, visit http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,4612,7-132-2946_43858-313510--,00.html, or email Elizabeth Knisely at Kniselye@michigan.gov.

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