The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) designated MAMH as its Massachusetts partner for the Institute's outreach partnership program (formerly known as the constituency outreach and education program.) Under this program NIMH designates a partner in each state and US Territory to work towards providing science based information and education on mental illness to the media and general public. The Outhreach Partnership Program is a nationwide educational outreach initiative of NIMH, with support from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and in cooperation with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Program enlists national and state organizations in partnerships to help bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by disseminating the latest scientific findings; informing the public about mental disorders, alcoholism, and drug addiction; and reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with these illnesses. The Program strives to increase public awareness about the importance of basic and clinical research in improving treatments for an ultimately curing and preventing, mental illnesses and addiction disorders through advancing knowledge about the brain and behavior. The program also provides a vehicle for NIMH to engage community groups across the U.S. in developing a national research agenda grounded in public health need.

There are 51 Outreach Partner organizations in the Program; one competitively selected partner in every state in the U.S. and the District of Columbia. Each Outreach Partner operates independently of the NIMH and is chosen through a rigorous competition where applications are reviewed by a panel of experts and NIMH staff. As part of their agreement with NIMH, each Outreach Partner conducts statewide mental health outreach and education for the public, health professionals, schools, minorities, traditionally underserved populations, and/or other groups to help fulfill the Program's mission. In return for their efforts, Outreach Partners receive additional benefits: monetary compensation in the form of a small stipend; travel reimbursement to the annual meeting; access to bulk quantities of NIMH publications at no cost; and various networking opportunities including a listserv and biweekly Update with news and resources.

The complete list of current Outreach Partners can be found on the NIMH Web site at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/outreach/partners.

Clinical Trials. A clinical trial (also known as clinical studies or clinical research) is a research study in human volunteers to answer specific health questions. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treamtments that work in people ans ways to improve health. For more information, go to: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Provide a link on your organization's Web site to the NIMH Clinical Trials Web Page (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/studies/index.cfm) as well as the research-study recruitment web pages of our Federal Partners, NIDA (http://www.nida.nih.gov/CTN/research.html) and SAMHSA, and NIH (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)

NIMH/MAMH Constituency Outreach and Education Program
If you or your organization would like any of the following, or other information about mental illness, contact Tim O'Leary at telephone 617-742-7452, Fax 617-742-1187, or email timfleary@aol.com.

Facts About Anxiety Disorder
Facts About Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Facts About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Facts About Panic Disorder
Facts About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Facts About Social Phobia Depression and Suicide
Facts for Older Adults
Schizophrenia
Depression
What to do if a Friend is Depressed
Anxiety Disorders
Let's Talk About Depression
A Real Illness: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A Real Illness: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
A Real Illness: Generalized Anxiety Disorders
A Real Illness: Social Phobia
A Real Illness: Panic Disorder
Treatment of Children with Mental Disorders
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Disorder: An Update from the NIMH
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Autism: Decade of the Brain
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters
New Anxiety Disorders Bookmark
Depresion: Lo Que Usted Necesita Saber
Datos Utiles Sobre Enfermedades Depresivas
La Enfermedad de Alzheimer
Pro Salud Insert (Depression)

National Institute of Mental Health
Outreach Partnership Program

National Institute of Mental Health
Outreach Partnership Program

National Institute of Mental Health
Outreach Partnership Program

Update

October 1, 2008

I. Science and Service News Updates
II. Resources: Publications, Toolkits, Other Resources
III. Calendar of Events
IV. Funding Information
V. Programmatic Funding Opportunities
VI. Research Funding Opportunities (PAs and RFAs)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Mental Health
Office of Constituency Relations and Public Liaison

Science and Service News Updates

NIMH: Study Examines the Prevalence and Impact of Gastrointestinal Problems in Children with Autism
A new study examines the characteristics of children with pervasive developmental disorders who also have gastrointestinal problems. The study was published online ahead of print September 2008 in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/study-examines-the-prevalence-and-impact-of-gastrointestinal-problems-in-children-with-autism.shtml

NIMH: Millisecond Brain Signals Predict Response to Fast-Acting Antidepressant
Images of the brain's fastest signals reveal an electromagnetic marker that predicts a patient's response to a fast-acting antidepressant, researchers have discovered. "Such biomarkers that identify who will benefit from a new class of antidepressants could someday minimize trial-and-error prescribing and speed delivery of care for what can be a life-threatening illness," said Carlos Zarate, M.D., of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program.
Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/millisecond-brain-signals-predict-response-to-fast-acting-antidepressant.shtml

NIMH: New Grants Will Further Understanding of the Biology, Genetics and Treatment of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, which include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, are complex and often life-threatening illnesses. Research has provided some insight into the origins and development of the disorders, but the biological, genetic and behavioral underpinnings of the illnesses are still not fully understood. Three new NIMH-funded projects will help to close the gap in understanding and treating these illnesses.
Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/new-grants-will-further-understanding-of-the-biology-genetics-and-treatment-of-eating-disorders.shtml

NIMH: Gene Variants Force Mental Trade-offs: Efficiency vs. Resiliency. Mouse Genetic Models Hint at Why We Can’t Always Have It All
Mice genetically engineered to have an over active version of a human gene, like their human counterparts, gain in emotional mettle under stress, but at a cost of less efficient thinking, NIMH scientists have discovered. Such talents seesawed in mice engineered to have either too much or not enough the val version of the COMT gene, the most common of two that humans inherit. The new study in mice confirms and helps to explain the trade-offs seen in earlier studies in humans, which have suggested that the val version slightly biases the brain's workings toward increased risk for schizophrenia. Researchers report on their findings in The Journal of Neuroscience, August 27, 2008.
Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/gene-variants-force-mental-trade-offs-efficiency-vs-resiliency.shtml

NIH News Advisory: Elias A. Zerhouni to End Tenure as Director of the National Institutes of Health
Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., the director of the National Institutes of Health, announced his plans to step down at the end of October 2008 to pursue writing projects and explore other professional opportunities. Dr. Zerhouni, a physician scientist and world-renowned leader in radiology research, has served as NIH director since May 2002. He led the agency through a challenging period that required innovative solutions to transform basic and clinical research into tangible benefits for patients and their families. One of the hallmarks of his tenure is the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research, launched in 2003, after extensive consultations with the scientific community. The NIH Roadmap brought together all of the NIH 27 Institutes and Centers to fund compelling research initiatives that could have a major impact on science, but that no single institute could tackle alone. Press Release: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/sep2008/od-24.htm

SAMHSA: New National Poll Reveals Public Attitudes on Substance Abuse, Treatment and the Prospects of Recovery; Finds Some Significant Differences in Perceptions Among Various Population Groups
Nearly half of American adults report knowing someone in recovery from the use or abuse of alcohol or drugs, according to survey results announced today by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). A large majority of Americans believe that people in recovery from substance addictions can live productive lives and contribute to their community, the report also said. SAMHSA sponsored the nationwide survey to gain insight into public attitudes toward substance abuse, and the effectiveness of prevention, treatment and recovery programs. The survey showed that most Americans are supportive of people in recovery, and that the public overwhelmingly believes that prevention and treatment efforts can work.
Press Release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0809295133.aspx

SAMHSA Funding Announcements
SAMHSA Awards $22.9 Million for Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women
SAMHSA announced the award of 16 grants totaling $22.9 million over three years to expand the availability of comprehensive residential treatment services for pregnant and postpartum women, their children and family members. The service system, with linkages to primary care, mental health and social services, is designed to help preserve and support the family unit and provide a healthy environment for family members.
Press Release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0809304105.aspx

$1.5 Million to the Choctaw Nation for Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women
SAMHSA announced the award of a grant totaling $1.5 million over three years to the Choctaw Nation’s Chi Hullo Li (We Care) Residential Treatment Center under the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Services Grant Program. Funding will be used to expand comprehensive, culturally sensitive, high-quality residential treatment services for low-income Native American women.
Press Release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0809251453.aspx

$27.5 Million in Project LAUNCH Grants to Promote the Wellbeing of Young Children in Communities Across America
SAMHSA announced that more than $27.5 million in Project LAUNCH (Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children’s Health) grants funds will be awarded to state and tribal programs over the next five years. Project LAUNCH is a new grant program designed to promote the wellness of young children ages birth to 8 years of age by addressing the physical, emotional, social, and behavioral aspects of their development.
Press Release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0809155105.aspx

Approximately $105 Million to Community Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS Treatment Services for Traditionally Underserved Communities
SAMHSA announced that approximately $105 million in projected total funding over the next five years will be awarded to community service providers across the country offering substance abuse and HIV/AIDS treatment services. The purpose of the Targeted Capacity Expansion Program for Substance Abuse Treatment and HIV/AIDS Services is to enhance and expand substance abuse treatment and/or outreach/pretreatment services in conjunction with HIV/AIDS services in traditionally underserved communities.
Press Release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0809193153.aspx

More Than $6 Million to Support Children’s Mental Health Systems in American Indian/Alaska Native Communities
SAMHSA announced the award of eight grants totaling more than $6 million over three years to fund infrastructure development for children’s mental health systems in American Indian/Alaska Native communities. Known as the Circles of Care, the program’s purpose is to provide tribal and urban Indian communities with tools and resources to plan and design a holistic, community-based system of care to support mental health and wellness for their children, youth and families.
Press Release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0809183958.aspx

$1.5 million to Advance Studies of Behavioral Health Services in Historically Black Colleges and Universities
SAMHSA announced the award of a cooperative agreement totaling $1.5 million over three years to the Morehouse School of Medicine’s Cork Institute on Alcohol and other Addictive Disorders, located within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in Atlanta. The Cork Institute will use the funds to support a Center for Excellence focused on advancing the work of historically black colleges and universities in supporting the development and delivery of substance abuse and mental health services.
Press Release: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0809185415.aspx

HRSA Awards $14 Million to Help Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced more than $14 million in FY 2008 grants to improve the health and well-being of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders.
Press Release: http://newsroom.hrsa.gov/releases/2008/autismsept.htm

U.S. Department of Labor and Major League Baseball launch ‘PITCH’ campaign to encourage businesses to hire people with disabilities; Former Major Leaguer Jim Abbott to serve as campaign spokesman
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, in cooperation with Major League Baseball, announced the launch of the PITCH (Proving Individuals with Talent Can Help) campaign to encourage businesses to hire individuals with disabilities. Former Major League pitcher Jim Abbott will serve as the campaign's spokesman. The campaign will include radio public service announcements, media awareness activities and appearances at the Little League World Series as well as Major League ballparks during September and October.
Press Release: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/odep/odep20081239.htm

Resources: Publications, Toolkits, Other Resources

NIDA Announces DrugPubs: A New Research Dissemination Center
NIDA has recently launched DrugPubs a new Research Dissemination Center designed to distribute materials to virtually all audiences: drug abuse researchers, health professionals, teachers, advocacy groups, teenagers and the general public. Anyone interested in receiving the latest scientific information about drug abuse and addiction can call the new DrugPubs number: 1-877-NIDA-NIH (1-877-643-2644), or 1-240-645-0228 (TDD). Order requests can also be e-mailed to:drugpubs@nida.nih.gov or faxed to 240-645-0227.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/about/welcome/drugpubsmsg908.html

New on the NIDA Website
Latest NIDA Notes Available
The latest NIDA Notes is a special issue on “Innovations.” Each of the innovative and exciting research achievements described in this special issue represents a benchmark advance in NIDA's work to reduce the health and social effects of drug abuse and addiction. Each also provides a conceptual research or clinical tool that promises to transform knowledge in other health areas.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/NIDA_Notes/NNVol22N1/Index.html

NIDA NewsScan Available
The latest NIDA NewsScan summarizing recent NIDA research findings is available.
http://www.nih.gov/news/health/sep2008/ns-55.pdf

Parkinson’s Disease Information Added to NIHSeniorHealth Web Site
More than half a million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s disease, a brain disorder that leads to tremor and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination. Although not a normal part of aging, Parkinson’s occurs most often among people 60 and older, and the risk increases with age. Older adults now can visit the NIHSeniorHealth Web site to learn more about Parkinson’s disease. The NIA web site is geared toward older adults and features clear language.
http://www.nihseniorhealth.gov/parkinsonsdisease/toc.html

ONDCP: New Data Show Drug Free Communities Program Significantly Reduces Teen Substance Abuse
The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), released a National Interim Evaluation of the Drug Free Communities (DFC) program demonstrating its effectiveness in preventing substance use and abuse among teens. The analysis shows current substance use rates among high-school students (the number of high-school students who report consuming alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana in the past 30-days) within DFC communities are significantly lower than national rates.
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/dfc/

SAMHSA: New Reports
Latest TEDS Report with Nationwide Data on Treatment Admissions for Substance Abuse
SAMHSA is issuing the completed version of its latest Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS), which provides information on substance abuse treatment admissions from state-licensed treatment facilities across the country. The 2006 TEDS Report is the latest in a series of yearly reports that not only provide overall figures for the Nation, but also break this information down into a wide variety of demographic criteria that can help provide greater perspective on the scope and nature of these problems.
http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0809233315.aspx

Success Stories from SAMHSA's Co-Occurring State Incentive Grant (COSIG) Program
Summary of SAMHSA’s Fifth Annual COSIG Grantee Meeting which focused on the successes of the program, with special attention given to the first cohort of seven grantees that are in their final year of funding. Key themes were leadership; workforce development; screening, assessment, and treatment planning; peer issues; information systems; and sustaining change.
http://www.coce.samhsa.gov/cod_resources/grants.aspx

Out-of-Home Services for Emotional or Behavioral Problems among Youths Aged 12 to 17: 2002 to 2006
Combined data from SAMHSA’s 2002 to 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicate that an estimated 2.6 percent of youths aged 12 to 17 reported receiving out-of-home services for emotional or behavioral problems in the past 12 months in a hospital, a residential treatment center, or a foster care or therapeutic foster care setting.
http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/prevline/pdfs/NSDUH08-0918.pdf

After the Crisis Initiative: Healing from Trauma after Disasters Peer Support Training Curriculum
After the Crisis, a collaborative initiative between SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services’ National GAINS Center and the National Center for Trauma Informed Care, has released Preparing Peers to Assist Peers in Preparing for and Recovering from Disasters, a peer support training curriculum that is designed for organizing and training peers to assist other peers in preparing for disasters and to provide peer support crisis services to meet the needs of peer survivors, their families and communities following a disaster.
http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/atc/

New Resources from SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Traumatic Grief in Military Children: Information for Families
This guide offers a very basic overview of how children may be affected by the death of a loved one. Assistance and information are also often available through military installations and/or local chaplains, spiritual organizations, school counselors, pediatricians, and local mental health professionals. There are many additional resources, including publications, organizations, programs, and services, that can further assist you in understanding and working through the grief that you and your child may be experiencing.
http://www.nctsnet.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/Military_Grief_Families_final3.pdf

How to Implement Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral (TF-CBT) Implementation Manual is for therapists, clinical supervisors, program administrators, and other stakeholders who are considering the use of TF-CBT for traumatized children in their communities. http://www.nctsnet.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/TF-CBT_Implementation_Manual.pdf

UPDATED! National Child Traumatic Stress Network Empirically Supported Treatments and Promising Practices - Intervention Descriptions
These fact sheets detail a continuum of evidence-based interventions for use with trauma-affected youth, ranging from rigorously evaluated interventions to promising and newly emerging practices. For the majority of interventions there is both a general and a culture-specific fact sheet provided.
http://www.nctsnet.org/nccts/nav.do?pid=ctr_top_trmnt_prom#q4

Two New Practice Guides from the Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse
Reducing Behavior Problems in the Elementary School Classroom
Designed for elementary school educators and school- and district-level administrators, this guide offers prevention, implementation, and school-wide strategies that can be used to reduce problematic behavior that interferes with the ability of students to attend to and engage fully in instructional activities.
http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/publications/practiceguides/#be_pg

Dropout Prevention
Geared toward educators, administrators, and policymakers, this guide provides recommendations that focus on reducing high school dropout rates. Strategies presented include identifying and advocating for at-risk students, implementing programs to improve behavior and social skills, and keeping students engaged in the school environment.
http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/publications/practiceguides/#dp_pg

CDC to Provide Free, Ready-to-Publish Health Content
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Media Relations is announcing a new formatted news release service, providing free, formatted, ready-to-print health articles that can be used in any publication. CDC is providing these free formatted releases for download and use in newsletters, newspapers, magazines, community publications, web sites, and more. These mat releases, also known as matte or formatted releases, cover a variety of health topics and are ready for use in any publication. Anyone can sign up to receive e-mail notification when new articles are added.
http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2008/a080912.htm

New CMS Initiative Helps to Assist and Identify Individuals Who Care for Medicare Beneficiaries as Caregivers
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched Ask Medicare, a new initiative to help family caregivers –those who are family members or friends who help people with Medicare -- access and use valuable healthcare information, services and resources.
http://www.medicare.gov/caregivers

ARHQ: Mental Health Related Research Summaries
Youth at Highest Risk of Attempting Suicide are Severely Depressed and Suffered a Recent Romantic Breakup or Assault
Although depression is linked to suicide attempts, most depressed youth do not attempt suicide. However, youth with severe depression and externalizing behaviors such as aggression, along with high levels of stress and key stressors such as romantic breakup, being assaulted, and recent arrest, are likely to have the highest risk of attempting suicide, according to a new study. The study was supported in part by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
http://www.ahrq.gov/research/sep08/0908RA27.htm

Emergency Department Clinicians Rarely Address Depression
Identifying a patient with depression is often missed amid the bustling activity of an emergency department. Yet that environment may be a good venue for detecting it, a new AHRQ funded study finds.
http://www.ahrq.gov/research/sep08/0908RA28.htm

Ten-Day Lapse in Antipsychotic Drug Use is Associated with an Increased Risk of Hospitalization in Patients with Schizophrenia
Antipsychotic medications to treat schizophrenia are effective in reducing symptoms and preventing hospitalization. However, only 50-60 percent of patients treated for schizophrenia follow their medication regimen for extended periods, with only 12 percent of Medicaid-insured patients staying on their medications for a full year. Yet, failing to refill medication within even just 10 days is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization, according to a new study.
http://www.ahrq.gov/research/sep08/0908RA29.htm

CDC QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Who Were Current Smokers, by Type of Difficulty or Limitation
Statistics from the National Health Interview Survey show that during 2001-- 2005, the percentage of adults who were current smokers was greater among those with emotional (43%), cognitive (27%), movement (24%), and seeing or hearing (23%) difficulties and among those with complex activity limitations (26%) than among adults with no disabilities (20%).
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5738a8.htm

Calendar of Events

Conference Call: Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Child Serving Systems
October 16, 2008 1-2:30 PM ET
This conference call produced by SAMHSA’s National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health will focus on the persistent challenge of racial and ethnic disparities in child serving systems. One major issue has been the overrepresentation of youth of color in more restrictive settings, such as residential treatment centers, juvenile detention and incarceration, and out-of home placements through child welfare. This session will highlight strategies from within these systems to correct these problems, their outcomes to date, and suggestions for next steps.
http://gucchd.georgetown.edu/programs/ta_center/tacalls2008.html
22nd Annual National Meeting on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) and Violence Prevention in Higher Education
November 16-19, 2008, St. Paul, Minnesota
The U.S. Department of Education will convene its 22nd Annual National Meeting on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention in Higher Education and the National Forum for Senior Administrators. This is the national conference for examining issues around alcohol and other drug abuse and violence prevention on college campuses and in their surrounding communities. "Ensuring the Safety and Well-Being of Our Students: Widening the Lens of Prevention," provides an opportunity for participants to consider the wide array of issues that face college campuses in prevention today, including alcohol and other drug abuse, violence, mental health, and emergency preparedness and management.
http:www.higheredcenter.org/natl/2008/

NIH Summit: The Science of Eliminating Health Disparities
December 16-18, 2008, National Harbor, MD
Join the NIH Institutes, Centers, Offices, and their many partners engaged in research on minority health and health disparities to: (1) highlight the research progress of the NIH on health issues among racial/ethnic minority and medically underserved populations; (2) increase awareness and understanding of disparities in health; (3) showcase best-practice models in research, capacity-building, outreach, and integrated strategies to eliminate health disparities;
(4) identify strengths and gaps in health disparities research; (5) network and dialogue with the nation’s leading experts on minority health and health disparities.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-funding/scientific-meetings/announcements/2008/nih-summit-the-science-of-eliminating-health-disparities.shtml

Funding Information

NIMH Funding Opportunity: Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Returning Combat Veterans in the Community
This NIMH Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) solicits applications to study the impact of existing national, state, and/or local community-based programs addressing the adjustment and mental health needs of recent combat veterans, including returning National Guard, Army Reserve, and newly separated active duty personnel. Research projects supported through this FOA will produce new information concerning effective strategies for fostering successful transition from combat to civilian roles for returning service members. NIMH expects that knowledge gained will benefit service members and their families, employers, and relevant federal, state, and local agencies, and will inform future initiatives for recently returned combat veterans.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-09-070.html

NIH Announces Initial Implementation Timeline for Enhancing Peer Review Activity
The National Institutes of Health announced that it will begin implementing changes to enhance its peer review system, after an extensive, year-long review. While the peer review system is a cornerstone of NIH, the increasing complexity and interdisciplinary nature of modern research has created a number of new challenges and demands on the system that merit enhancements in critical areas. NIH undertook a comprehensive approach — working groups deliberated on challenges and recommendations, input was sought and received, with significant dialogue, from both NIH scientific staff and the grantee/reviewer communities. The resulting set of recommendations cumulated into changes in the following four core priority areas: Continue to Engage the Best Reviewers; Improve the Quality and Transparency of Review; Ensure Balanced and Fair Reviews across Scientific Fields and Career Stages, and Reduce Administrative Burden; and Continuous Review of Peer Review.
http://www.nih.gov/news/health/sep2008/od-30a.htm

Programmatic Funding Opportunities

None.

Research Funding Opportunities
PAs and RFAs to share with scientific advisors. Information about NIH funding at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/oer.htm

Selected NIH Program Announcements (PAs)
[Full listing of NIH PAs at http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/index.html]

Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Development Program (U01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-266.html

Selected NIH Request for Applications (RFAs)
[Full listing of NIH RFAs at http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/index.html]

Comparative Interdisciplinary Studies of Cerebral Cortical Development (R21/R33)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-09-080.html

The Interaction of HIV, Drug Use, and the Criminal Justice System (R01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-09-007.html

Exploratory Centers for Translational Research on the Clinical Neurobiology of Drug Addiction (P20)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-09-012.html

MAMH can provide you or your organization, free of charge (other than postage for large orders) informational booklets, fact sheets and reports on a wide range of topics.