Alert

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) announced a new funding opportunity to improve Tribes and designated organizations’ access to electronic case reporting (eCR) data. As part of a Tribal Data Sovereignty Project from January 2025 through July 2025, this initiative is designed to enhance public health surveillance and response capabilities within Tribal communities. Applications are due January 24, 2025.

Background

Tribal Nations serve as essential public health authorities with the legal right to receive case reports on conditions that are significant to them, as defined by Tribal law. Traditionally, Tribes have encountered challenges in obtaining real-time disease case reports. With eCR, Tribal public health authorities can receive the timely data for prompt public health responses through formal partnerships.

This automated, real-time exchange of case report information between electronic health records and public health authorities securely transfers patient and clinical information from healthcare providers to public health agencies for disease tracking, case management, and contact tracing.

Funding Opportunities

The funding is available for Tribes or organizations designated by one or more Tribes to access their data. This includes Tribal consortia, Tribal Epidemiology Centers, and other similar entities.

Funding is available through two categories:

• Category A: Implementation of Direct eCR Connection ($200,000)

Up to three Tribes or designated organizations will have the chance to receive $200,000 each to implement direct connections for receiving eCR data. This funding will facilitate the establishment of essential systems and processes for real-time data exchange, ultimately improving disease tracking and response times.

• Category B: Strengthening Partnerships for eCR Data Exchange ($75,000)

Up to two Tribes or designated organizations can apply for $75,000 each to strengthen partnerships for eCR data exchange. This funding is designed to enhance existing collaborations with state and local health departments, enabling better utilization of eCR data for public health initiatives.

Application Deadline and Process

Application packages must be submitted via email by January 24, 2025, before midnight ET.

• Submit all sections of the application package as a single Microsoft Word document, the budget narrative and line-item budget, the Letter of Support, and additional materials, such as Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, to Sophie Sembajwe, ssembajwe@nihb.org.
• The subject line of the email should read, ”eCR for Tribes Application”.
• No applications will be accepted by fax or postal mail.
• Applicants will receive a response from NIHB by January 31, 2025.

Additional Information

For more information:

• See the eCR roadmap for Tribes and Tribal Epidemiology Centers.  
• Review eligibility requirements, project goals, and project requirements.
• Register to attend NIHB’s optional pre-application webinar on January 15, 2025, at 2 p.m. ET.

We’re Here to Help

For help applying for this funding opportunity and compliance requirements, contact your Moss Adams professional.

Additional Resources

• Health Care Consulting Practice
• Tribal & Gaming Practice