Maternal and Child Health Encounters Networks (MCHEK)

The Maternal and Child Health Encounters Networks program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Resources and Services Administration, specifically within the Maternal and Child Health Bureau. This program is issued as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement by the federal agency in program implementation and oversight. It is part of the Special Projects of Regional and National Significance portfolio, which supports initiatives designed to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations across the United States. The primary purpose of this program is to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by preventing exposure to harmful substances before, during, and after pregnancy. The initiative focuses on addressing risks associated with medications, nutrition, food safety, household products, and environmental exposures. By targeting these areas, the program seeks to reduce preventable complications and promote healthier pregnancies and early childhood development outcomes nationwide. Funding under this opportunity supports the development and operation of a national, expert-staffed call center. This center is expected to provide timely, evidence-based information and individualized counseling to women, families, and healthcare providers. A key feature of the program is the translation of complex scientific data into accessible guidance that can be easily understood and applied by non-specialists. The program also emphasizes the use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance service delivery, improve responsiveness, and expand reach. Eligible applicants include any domestic public or private entity, including Indian tribes and tribal organizations as defined by federal statute. The opportunity is unrestricted in terms of organizational type, allowing participation from nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, government entities, and private sector organizations, provided they meet the program’s requirements. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this funding, which lowers barriers to entry for a wide range of applicants. The application process is expected to follow standard federal grant submission procedures through electronic systems, with all applications required to be submitted by the stated deadline. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast, applicants can anticipate requirements such as project narratives, budget justifications, and organizational capacity descriptions based on typical HRSA cooperative agreement processes. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on the applicant’s ability to deliver evidence-based services, demonstrate technical expertise, and effectively manage a national program. The timeline for this opportunity indicates that it is currently in a forecasted stage, with an estimated posting date in December 2026 and an application deadline in March 2027. Awards are expected to be issued in August 2027, with project activities beginning in September 2027. The program anticipates a single award with a total funding amount of one million dollars, suggesting a highly competitive selection process. No recurrence is specified, indicating that this may be a one-time or infrequently issued funding opportunity.