755 Availability of funds for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) peer relations mini-grants

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Availability of Funds for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Peer Relations Mini-Grants

[37 Pa.B. 2039]
[Saturday, April 28, 2007]

   The Bureau of Family Health (Bureau), Division of Child and Adult Health Services is accepting applications to support education and awareness of the causes and consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among youth. It is entitled: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Childhood Education and Awareness Peer Relations Program. Funding for up to $4,500 is available to support education and awareness of traumatic brain injury as it impacts the TBI survivor and peers. Activities would educate all students/youth about the cognitive and emotional changes associated with brain injury, explore peer relationships, model positive attitudes and introduce concepts surrounding compensatory strategies.

   For the purpose of this funding opportunity, a TBI is defined as an insult to the brain, not of a degenerative or congenital nature, caused by an external physical force that may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, which results in impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning or in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning. These impairments may be either temporary or permanent and cause partial or total functional disability or psychosocial maladjustment.

   Eligible applicants are Pennsylvania public and private organizations, foundations or community-based agencies recognized by Federal Tax ID number. Individuals may not apply. Informal groups without Federal Tax ID numbers are encouraged to partner with a sponsor organization who may apply on behalf of the group.

   Project funds must be used to reimburse purchases and activities occurring between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. Applicants may apply for funding to cover multiple purchases/activities, not to exceed $4,500.

   Completed applications will be accepted up to the due date, May 14, 2007. Awards will be made after that date, and will be contingent upon the availability of funds and Department of Health (Department) approval. Copies of application forms and other background information are available on the Department's website www.health. state.pa.us (search words: mini-grant, brain injury).

   Completed applications will be scored by an independent review panel. Rating factors include the following:

   1.  The need for the awareness and educational program is justified.

   2.  The audience of the proposed activity meets the intended target.

   3.  The activities meet at least 3 of the 5 learning objectives, which are:

   a.  Building peer relationships between children with head injuries and other children in the classroom, group or community setting.

   b.  Recognizing and supporting the use of coping mechanisms, adaptive equipment, therapies, and the like, utilized by students/children with head injuries throughout their day.

   c.  Intervening and providing support to children with brain injuries and their peers during potentially distressing situations.

   d.  Preventing head injuries/TBI/concussions.

   e.  Acknowledging the similarities of ''bad behavior'' actions/choices between head injured and nonhead injured children while recognizing, developing and utilizing the different supports required to address these actions/choices of the head injury student through training, education and awareness.

   4.  The proposed budget and purchases are reasonable.

   5.  The proposed activity will have an ongoing, systemic benefit to the community.

   Applicants will be notified of approval/disapproval in writing within 30 days of the due date.

   To request application materials or for additional information related to this initiative, contact Danielle M. Tedesco, TBI Program Administrator, Bureau of Family Health, Division of Child and Adult Health Services, Health and Welfare Building, 7th Floor East, 7th and Forster Streets, Harrisburg, PA 17120, [phone], fax [phone], [e-mail].

   Individuals with a disability who require an alternative format of this notice or of the application materials (for example, large print, audiotape, Braille) contact Danielle M. Tedesco in the Bureau of Family Health at [phone] or for speech and/or hearing impaired persons, V/TT [phone] or Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Services at [phone].

CALVIN B. JOHNSON, M. D., M.P.H.,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 07-755. Filed for public inspection April 27, 2007, 9:00 a.m.]