Sickle Cell Disease Regional Care Excellence (SoRCE) Program

The Sickle Cell Disease Regional Care Excellence Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and its Division of Services for Children with Special Health Needs. This program is designed to improve health outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease across the United States by strengthening access to coordinated, high quality care systems. The initiative builds on prior federal investments in sickle cell disease infrastructure and emphasizes regional coordination, clinical quality improvement, and community integration. The primary purpose of the program is to expand access to care, improve the quality of care delivered to individuals with sickle cell disease, and track meaningful quality of life indicators. Award recipients function as Regional Coordinating Hubs responsible for overseeing networks of Clinical Community Spokes composed of clinical providers and community based organizations. These networks are expected to serve all individuals with sickle cell disease within a defined geographic region while ensuring coordination between clinical services and community supports. Program activities include continuous quality improvement initiatives, data collection, training, and stakeholder engagement aimed at improving long term outcomes. Funding supports a wide range of activities necessary to build and maintain these regional systems. Allowable uses include contracting with clinical and community partners, conducting training and education, supporting data systems, organizing stakeholder meetings, and compensating individuals with lived experience who contribute to program development. At least forty percent of awarded funds must be directed to Clinical Community Spokes to ensure sufficient resources for service delivery. The program does not require cost sharing, although voluntary contributions are permitted but not considered during review. Funds cannot be used for activities that conflict with federal regulations or public policy requirements. Eligibility is limited to domestic organizations such as federally qualified health centers, nonprofit hospitals or clinics, and university health centers that provide primary care and demonstrate at least five years of experience serving individuals with sickle cell disease. Applicants must also maintain collaborative agreements with community based organizations or entities experienced in sickle cell disease. Eligible organization types include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without federal tax exempt status, and other healthcare entities. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and require multiple components including a project narrative, budget narrative, staffing plan, organizational chart, partnership agreements, and supporting attachments. Applicants must also complete standard federal forms such as the Application for Federal Assistance and Project Abstract Summary. The review process includes an initial eligibility screening followed by a merit review scored across criteria such as need, response strategy, evaluation plan, impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. Award decisions also consider geographic distribution and alignment with agency priorities. The application deadline is July 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The period of performance is expected to run from September 30, 2026 through June 30, 2031 across five budget periods. Approximately seven cooperative agreements will be awarded, each supporting a regional hub. Applicants may also request supplemental funding for emerging issues in sickle cell care. Key contacts include program and financial staff within HRSA who provide guidance throughout the application process. The program is expected to continue federal efforts to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for individuals with sickle cell disease nationwide.

Align proposal clearly with review criteria especially response and evaluation demonstrate strong data collection and regional coordination capacity and ensure partnerships with community organizations are well documented