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Cape Cod Healthcare is pleased to release its FY2017 Annual Strategic Grant Request for Proposals (RFP). This RFP is part of an annual competitive grant process focused on addressing the unmet health needs of the residents of Barnstable County. The CCHC Community Benefits annual competitive RFP grants program is open to all non-profit community organizations operating in Barnstable County with programs aligned with CCHC Community Benefits priorities. To qualify, proposals must meet at least one of the following two guidelines: • Address and positively impact chronic or infectious disease management and/or • Support initiatives targeted at individuals and families facing mental health issues. The CCHC Community Benefits program promotes Cape Cod Healthcare’s mission to coordinate and deliver the highest quality, accessible health services in order to enhance the health of all Cape Cod residents and visitors. In 2015, CCHC invested more than $21 million in community health initiatives. These initiatives include direct and strategic grant funding to community-based organizations and community health centers, charity care to residents of Barnstable County, hospital-based outreach, education and support programs, workforce development initiatives, regional health and human service partnerships, and employee volunteerism. “The annual strategic grants program strengthens our commitment to working collaboratively with local health and human services organizations to address the most pressing health needs of Cape Cod residents,” said Terri Ahern, CCHC Senior Vice President, Strategy and Government Affairs. The FY2017 Annual Strategic Grant RFP will concentrate on chronic and infectious disease, and mental health - two of the most pervasive and trending of the six significant health needs identified by the 2014-2016 Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) Report and Implementation Plan. Grant proposals must address at least one of the following specific chronic or infectious diseases or mental health issues, and meet funding guidelines related to vulnerable populations and measurable outcomes. The specific chronic and infectious diseases of significance and growing concern in Barnstable County based on disease incidence, prevalence and mortality include: • Cancer • Cardiovascular disease • Diabetes • Hepatitis C • HIV/AIDS • Tick-borne illnesses Mental health issues of concern identified by rates, counts, self-reported data and community input in Barnstable County include: • High or increasing rates of depression, anxiety and suicide. • Use of hospital emergency departments for psychiatric care. • Declining availability of outpatient psychiatric care. • Access to and navigation of available mental health services in the region. The FY2017 Annual Strategic Grants program will provide up to $200,000 in grants to support projects ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. The deadline for submission of strategic grant proposals is August 26, 2016. Grant selection will be finalized in November 2016 by the CCHC Community Health Committee. The funding period runs from January 1 – September 30, 2017. For more information visit: www.capecodhealth.org/about/caring-for-our-community/ Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians, 4,500 employees and 1,100 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare has two acute care hospitals, the Cape’s leading provider of homecare and hospice services (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility, the Cape’s only local laboratory service and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org.