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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): MCH Navigator Program (HHS-HRSA)

What is the MCH Navigator Program grant opportunity?

The MCH Navigator Program is a federal grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). It is designed to build and sustain a stronger maternal and child health (MCH) workforce by supporting online continuing education for MCH professionals.

What is the main purpose of this program?

The central purpose is to provide online, continuing education that helps both emerging and experienced MCH professionals expand practical knowledge and job-ready skills, with training structured around real-world needs in MCH practice settings.

What types of training does the program emphasize?

The opportunity emphasizes high-quality distance learning and online continuing education that strengthens competencies such as analytic, managerial, and clinical skills, while also supporting cross-disciplinary leadership and collaboration across sectors and systems.

Who is the intended audience for the training supported by this grant?

The intended audience includes both emerging and experienced MCH professionals working in maternal and child health settings, especially those responsible for implementing population health initiatives for women, children, and families.

Does the program specifically support Title V MCH professionals?

Yes. A key audience includes Title V leaders and staff who need ongoing training to support Title V transformation efforts and address workforce development priorities identified at the state level.

Why is HRSA focusing on online training rather than in-person training?

The opportunity notes that traditional in-person training has become harder to access due to barriers such as tightening travel restrictions, limited staffing capacity, difficulty taking time away from daily responsibilities, and the cost of attending trainings. HRSA intends for distance learning to make continuing education more accessible and efficient.

What workforce needs is this grant responding to?

The grant responds to growing demand for adaptable, cross-disciplinary leadership in MCH, especially as federal, state, and local agencies work to improve health outcomes amid shifts in the healthcare delivery system and persistent health inequities.

How does the program connect to health equity goals?

The program highlights the need for professionals who can use data and analysis effectively and manage programs and services in ways that address long-standing disparities, supporting improved health equity as part of HRSA priorities.

What does it mean that this opportunity is a discretionary cooperative agreement?

It means the award is structured as a cooperative agreement where HRSA typically expects substantial involvement beyond standard grant monitoring, often including collaboration on planning, implementation, and performance expectations.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

This opportunity is offered by HHS through HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration).

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The program is listed under CFDA 93.110.

When was the opportunity posted and what was the application deadline?

The opportunity was posted on December 11, 2015, and the application deadline was February 12, 2016.

How many awards did HRSA anticipate making?

HRSA anticipated making one award.

Who was eligible to apply?

The eligibility category is listed as "Others," with additional clarification referenced in the original announcement. Applicants would need to consult the full notice for the specific eligibility requirements.

Was there a stated maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is shown as 0 in the source data, which typically indicates the maximum funding level was not specified in that data extract and would normally be detailed in the full funding announcement.

What is meant by "population health initiatives" in the context of this opportunity?

In this opportunity, population health initiatives refer to efforts implemented in MCH settings to improve outcomes for groups of women, children, and families, often requiring coordination across programs and systems.

What kind of learning experience is HRSA expecting under this program?

HRSA expects online learning experiences that are high-quality, relevant to MCH practice, and feasible for busy professionals to complete without leaving their worksites.

How does this program support the MCH workforce in day-to-day practice?

By enabling professionals to access continuing education remotely, the program is intended to help MCH staff strengthen skills while minimizing time away from work responsibilities and reducing common training barriers like travel and cost.

What broader strategic priorities does this program support?

The opportunity is described as supporting HRSA strategic priorities related to access to quality care, a stronger health workforce, and improved health equity.

Where should applicants have looked for the most detailed requirements and definitions?

The opportunity indicates that key details (such as specific eligibility clarification and typically funding levels) would be found in the full original funding announcement/notice.