COVID-19 Related News and Information

FDA Advisory Committee to Discuss Janssen Biotech Inc.’s COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate

The FDA’s Advisory Committee meets on Feb. 26, 2021, to discuss the request for emergency use authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 vaccine from Janssen Biotech Inc., a division of Johnson and Johnson. Background materials, livestream links, and more information will be posted on the FDA’s VRBPAC site here.

 

Further information on the FDA’s EUA process and existing authorizations view:

• COVID-19 Vaccines

• Emergency Use Authorization for Vaccines Explained

• The EUA currently allows the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to be distributed in the U.S.

 

Explaining Community Immunity

When enough of the community is immunized against a contagious disease, most other members are protected from infection because there's little opportunity for the disease to spread – including newborns, pregnant women, or people with weak immune systems that aren't able to get certain vaccines.

 

Understanding the Federal Vaccination Retail Pharmacy Program

The program is being incrementally implemented based on the available vaccine supply, with select retail pharmacy locations providing COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals. View FAQs about the program.

 

Launch of Community Health Centers Vaccination Program

This program will provide more vaccines to Community Health Centers reaching the underserved and most vulnerable communities.  The program will be phased in, with the first centers able to start ordering vaccines as early as the week of February 15.

 

CDC Provides Vaccine Rollout Recommendations

CDC is providing recommendations to federal, state, and local governments about who should be vaccinated first.  However, each state has its own plan for deciding who will be vaccinated first and how they can receive vaccines.  *Use this locator to determine local vaccine efforts in your state, territory, or county. 

 

On COVID-19 Variants

CDC updated their information about the characteristics of the variants. Scientists are working to learn more about how easily they spread, whether they could cause more severe illness, and whether currently authorized vaccines will protect people against them. Also trackU.S. COVID-19 Cases Caused by Variants. 

 

Mapping Which Coronavirus Variants Will Resist Antibody Treatments

Dr. Francis Collins’ new post is about research mapping all possible mutations that would allow SARS-CoV-2 to resist treatment with three different monoclonal antibodies developed for treatment of COVID-19.

 

Wearing Face Masks on Public Transportation

CDC issued an order that requires face masks to be worn by all travelers while on public transportation and while at transportation hubs.  See also CDC’s Considerations for Wearing Masks for a deeper dive into the how and why.

 

CDC Updated COVID-19 Resource Page

CDC updated their resource page on COVID-19. You can also find updated resources and toolkits with information for specific populations:

• Print Resources

• COVID-19 One-Stop Shop Toolkits

• Community-Based Organizations COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit

• Guidance on small and large gatherings

 

On Ventilation in Buildings

SARS-CoV-2 viral particles spread between people more readily indoors than outdoors.   When indoors, ventilation mitigation strategies help to offset the absence of natural wind and reduce the concentration of viral particles in the indoor air.

 

COVID-19 Research

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Prevalence of Mental Health Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

CDC released an MMWR on racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence of stress and worry, mental health conditions and increased substance use among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Among their findings, Hispanic adults reported a higher prevalence of psychosocial stress related to not having enough food or stable housing than did adults in other racial and ethnic groups.

 

Measures to Slow COVID-19 Spread

Countries around the world have tried a combination of approaches to slow the spread of COVID-19.  Researchers found it is critical to understand the factors driving its spread in order to slow its progression.

 

E-Learning Opportunities

Protecting Your Organization: The 2021 Nonprofit Security Grant Program and other Resources to Help Keep Your Facility Safe

Thurs., Feb. 18, 2021, 2:00- 3:30 p.m. EST. Register here.

Before the end of February 2021, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will release the FY 2021 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funding opportunity for security-related and physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations. Join this webinar for more information and tips on how to apply for the NSGP, and other DHS resources that support the safety and security of houses of worship, non-profits and faith and community-based organizations.

 

Addressing the Adverse Impacts of COVID-19 on Children with Serious Emotional Disorders

Wed., March 3, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. EST. Register here.

SAMHSA sponsored webinar addressing the effect the pandemic has had on  children who have isolated at home participating in distance learning-- academically, socially and emotionally, especially for children with pre-existing serious emotional disorders and their families. 

 

Grants and Funding Opportunities

Note: A primary reason funding opportunities are highlighted each week is to let you know of potential investments in your community.  To participate in these funds, you may need to actively engage with local community partners, health care systems, and/or public health entities and contribute to your community’s collective efforts.  Grants are listed in order of due date, note *new listings.

Still Open – Paycheck Protection Program

The loan portal for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) reopened in January. This program provides small businesses, including faith-based organizations, with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.

 

Integrated Substance Use Disorder Training Program (ISTP)

The program expands the number of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, health service psychologists, and/or social workers trained to provide mental health and substance use disorder (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD) services in underserved community-based settings. Closing date: Feb. 24, 2021.

 

*Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Direct payments to agricultural producers of eligible commodities that have been impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. Closing date: Feb 26, 2021.

Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking

The program will support transitional housing, including funding for the operating expenses of a newly developed or existing transitional housing program; and short-term housing assistance, including rental or utilities payment assistance and assistance with related expenses. Closing date: March 1, 2021.

 

*Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Grant Program
Grants to establish, maintain, and expand sustainable, culturally appropriate services that address the unique needs and challenges of victims of sexual assault from culturally specific communities. Closing date: March 1, 2021.

 

*Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking
Grants to support programs that provide assistance for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are in need of 6-24 months of transitional housing, short-term housing assistance, and related support services.  Closing date: March 2, 2021.

 

*Promise Neighborhoods Programs

Promise Neighborhoods Program provides grants to significantly improve the educational and developmental outcomes of children and youth in the most distressed communities. Closing date: March 5, 2021.

 

Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
Grants to develop support services for children exposed to violence in their homes, schools, and communities; and to develop, enhance, and implement violent crime reduction strategies that focus on violent juvenile offenders. Priority will be given to applications that address the challenges in rural communities. Closing date: March 8, 2021.

 

Multistate Mentoring Programs Initiative

This program supports the implementation and delivery of mentoring services to youth populations that are at risk for juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice system involvement. Mentoring services can be one-on-one, group, peer, or a combination of these types. Solicitation-related webinar review Feb. 2, 2021. Closing date: March 9, 2021. 

Also see National Mentoring Programs Closing date: March 9, 2021.

 

*Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking
Grants to support community-based organizations in providing culturally relevant services to meet the critical needs of victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, as well as the development of innovative culturally specific strategies to enhance access to services and resources for victims who face obstacles to using more traditional programs. Closing date: March 9, 2021.

 

*OJJDP FY 2021 Mentoring for Youth Affected by the Opioid Crisis and Drug Addiction

This program supports the implementation and delivery of mentoring services to youth who are currently abusing or addicted to drugs, youth at risk for abusing drugs, and youth with family members who are currently abusing or addicted to drugs. Closing date: March 16, 2021.

 

*Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Implementation (RCORP)

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) is a multi-year initiative aimed at reducing the morbidity and mortality of substance use disorder (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD), in high risk rural communities. This notice announces the opportunity to apply for funding under RCORP-Implementation. Closing date: March 12, 2021.

 

*Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Assistance Program
Grants for projects designed to address and prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in rural communities. Closing date: March 12, 2021.

 

Preventing Trafficking of Girls

This solicitation from the Office of Violent Crimes (OVC) provides funding for organizations to support prevention and early intervention programs for girls who are at-risk of, or are victims of, sex trafficking. Closing Date: March 15, 2021.

 

Community Health Access and Rural Transformation

The Community Health Access and Rural Transformation (CHART) Model aims to improve health care quality and reduce Medicare and Medicaid expenditures within rural communities. The CHART Model will harness the drive, creativity, and local expertise of rural communities and leverage national resources to improve access to care, quality of care, and health outcomes for rural residents.  Closing date: March 16,  2021. 

 

Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI)
Funding to help nonprofit housing and community development intermediary organizations support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Closing date: March 22, 2021.

 

*Training and Services to End Violence Against Women with Disabilities
Grants to support multidisciplinary collaborative teams that offer services and support to individuals with disabilities and deaf individuals who have been victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.  Closing date: March 25, 2021.

 

*Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Local Drug Crises Grants
CDC-RFA-CE21-2103 The purpose of this program is to prevent and reduce the abuse of opioids or methamphetamines and the abuse of prescription drugs among youth ages 12-18 in communities throughout the United States. Closing date: April 1, 2021.

 

Emerging Issues in Maternal and Child Health

The purpose of this program is to strengthen the capacities of state- and/or local-level organizations to respond to emerging public health issues affecting maternal and child health (MCH) populations. Closing date: April 9, 2021.

 

*Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program for Paraprofessionals
Grants to develop and expand experiential training opportunities, such as field placements and internships, to increase the supply of students preparing to become peer support specialists and other behavioral health-related paraprofessionals. The program emphasizes relationships with community-based partners to increase access to quality behavioral health services across the lifespan in high need and high demand areas. Closing date: April 12, 2021.

 

2021 POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) released a Request for Proposals for applications for the POWER seeks to diversify economies in communities and regions affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing economics of America’s energy production. Closing dates: Required Letters of Intent due Mar. 5, 2021, Final app. due April 16, 2021.

 

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Psychostimulant Support (RCOPR-PS)

RCORP-PS will advance RCORP’s overall goal by strengthening and expanding prevention, treatment, and recovery services for rural individuals who misuse psychostimulants to enhance their ability to access treatment and move towards recovery. Closing date: April 21, 2021.

 

Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program (RHSE)

Funds community-based outreach, education, and extension programs at land-grant colleges and universities that provide individuals and families in rural areas with information on health, wellness, and prevention. Closing date: April 29, 2021.

 

*Mary Kay Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Program
Grants to support domestic violence shelters. The Foundation will award a grant to at least one domestic violence shelter in every state that applies, and many grants have gone to rural areas.  Closing date: April 30, 2021.

 

Walmart Foundation Community Grant Program
Grants to support the unique needs of local communities in the service areas of Walmart stores, Sam's Club stores, and corporate distribution centers. Closing date: Dec. 31, 2021.

 

*Home Depot Community Impact Grants Program
Funding for nonprofit organizations and public agencies in the United States that are using volunteers to improve communities, with a focus on veterans and diverse, underserved communities. Grants are given in the form of gift cards for the purchase of tools, materials, and services. Closing date:  Dec. 31, 2021.