Navigator Emergency Department Diversion Models for Non-Urgent Mental Health Concerns (R34 Clinical Trial Required) | PAR 25 288

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 25 288

The Navigator Emergency Department Diversion Models for Non-Urgent Mental Health Concerns (R34 Clinical Trial Required) opportunity (PAR-25-288) is a National Institutes of Health discretionary grant designed to strengthen the evidence base for family navigation approaches that divert people away from emergency departments when their mental health needs are non-urgent. The central focus is on generating practical, real-world research about how well these diversion models work, how they can be implemented in routine settings, and how they can be optimized so families can access appropriate mental health care sooner and more reliably. Because the mechanism is an R34 and a clinical trial is required, applicants should expect to propose an early-stage, pilot or developmental clinical study that tests feasibility, refines procedures, and produces data that can support a later, larger-scale effectiveness trial.

The NOFO is specifically interested in family navigation emergency department diversion models that combine three core elements. First, the model should use triage tools that help identify mental health acuity, meaning there is a structured way to determine whether the situation is truly emergent or can be safely directed to community-based or outpatient services. Second, the model should actively facilitate engagement in mental health services and any additional resources a family may need, rather than simply providing referrals. Third, the navigator role should include education and support for families, building their understanding of the mental health concern while also helping them overcome practical and social barriers to seeking help, such as confusion about where to go, transportation problems, insurance or cost issues, long waitlists, stigma, language barriers, or difficulty coordinating care across systems. In short, the program is about testing navigation as a hands-on bridge between an initial crisis-driven contact point (often the ED) and more appropriate ongoing care.

Eligibility is broad across U.S.-based organizations and government entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education where applicable); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The NOFO also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, Indian/Native American tribal governments that are not federally recognized, and U.S. territories or possessions.

Foreign participation is restricted. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible. Foreign components, as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed. Practically, this means the applicant organization and the work supported by the award must be U.S.-based (including allowable U.S. territories/possessions), without foreign components embedded in the proposed project.

The opportunity falls under the NIH Health funding activity category and is associated with CFDA number 93.242. The posting shows an original closing date of January 7, 2028, indicating a multi-year window in which submissions may be accepted according to the NOFO schedule and NIH receipt cycles. The award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided source data, so applicants would need to confirm budget limits, project period expectations, and submission dates directly in the full announcement and related NIH policy guidance. Overall, this NOFO is aimed at building actionable evidence on navigation-based diversion strategies that reduce unnecessary emergency department use for non-urgent mental health concerns while improving families access to timely, appropriate mental health services and supports.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Navigator Emergency Department Diversion Models for Non-Urgent Mental Health Concerns (R34 Clinical Trial Required)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-11-25.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2028-01-07.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 25 288

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