Rare Disorders: Research, Surveillance, Health Promotion, and Education

To (1) Promote public health capacity by conducting research to expand the knowledge base around people with complex disabling conditions, including muscular dystrophy, fragile X syndrome and spina bifida across the lifespan, with the goal of improving their health and quality of life; (2) apply lessons learned to design public health approaches for other childhood onset complex disabling conditions; (3) develop and disseminate information from surveillance and epidemiologic research, identifying intervention strategies for secondary conditions; (4) assess access to and costs associated with health care these conditions; (5) collaborate with partners in the public and private sector to support the development of standards of care and improve health care and related services for people with complex disabling conditions; (6) deliver technical assistance to public and private organizations, universities and local and state agencies on accessing factors affecting medical, functional, and psychosocial outcomes; (7) provide leadership in health education and promotion in people of all ages who have complex disabling conditions and their families; and (8) support partners in facilitating early identification of these diseases and adoption of effective interventions.

After review and approval, a Notice of Award (NoA) will be prepared and processed, along with appropriate notification to the public. Initial awards provide funds for the first budget period (usually 12 months) and the NoA will indicate support recommended for the remainder of the project period, allocation of Federal funds by budget categories, award requirements, and special conditions, if any.