Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant 2026

The Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This federal funding program is authorized to provide flexible financial support to state and territorial public health agencies, as well as select tribal governments and freely associated states. The program is designed to strengthen public health infrastructure by allowing recipients to address locally defined health priorities using evidence-based and community-driven strategies. Unlike more prescriptive grant programs, this block grant emphasizes flexibility and autonomy, enabling recipients to tailor interventions to their specific population health needs. The primary purpose of the program is to support preventive health services and improve overall population health outcomes by addressing gaps that may not be covered by other categorical funding streams. Recipients are empowered to establish their own goals, objectives, and performance measures, which must align with broader public health priorities. Funding can be used for a wide range of activities, including health promotion, disease prevention initiatives, capacity building, and system improvements. The program encourages innovative approaches that respond to emerging public health challenges and disparities. The total estimated program funding for this opportunity is one hundred fifty six million dollars, distributed across approximately sixty one awards. While the specific award ceiling and floor are not defined in the available materials, funds are allocated to eligible entities identified in the authorizing statute. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this program, allowing recipients to fully utilize federal funds for approved activities. The flexibility in funding use is a defining feature, though expenditures must still align with federal guidelines and public health objectives. Eligibility for this grant is limited to a defined group of governmental entities. These include all fifty U.S. state health departments, the District of Columbia, five U.S. territories, two federally recognized tribal governments, and three freely associated states. This exclusive eligibility structure reflects the statutory design of the program, ensuring that funds are directed to primary public health authorities responsible for population health at the state or territorial level. The program does not accept applications from private organizations, nonprofits, or individuals. The application process is conducted through Grants.gov, where eligible entities must submit their applications by the specified deadline. The original application deadline was June twenty six, two thousand twenty six, and it was subsequently extended to July seventeen, two thousand twenty six. Applicants are expected to provide detailed plans outlining their intended use of funds, including program objectives, strategies, and anticipated outcomes. While specific application components are not detailed in the summary, typical federal grant submissions require program narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation. Applications are reviewed based on their alignment with program goals, feasibility, and the extent to which proposed activities address identified public health needs. The CDC provides oversight and technical assistance throughout the process, with program staff available for inquiries via email. Following submission, applications undergo evaluation, and awards are expected to be distributed in alignment with federal funding cycles. The program is part of an ongoing federal initiative and is issued on a recurring basis, supporting continuous investment in preventive health services across eligible jurisdictions.