Although two-thirds of the residents of the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) service region live in communities outside the immediate St. Louis area, the primary health care resources available to them are limited when compared to those in St. Louis. These communities face many challenges and barriers in accessing quality health care services. Geographic isolation, a lack of critical population mass, struggling economies, an increase in cultural diversity, and limited financial and human resources are just some of the many contributing factors to the lack of access to care. As a result, significant health disparities related to mortality and disease, mental health, and substance abuse exist.

Innovative Funding
Do you have an innovative idea that improves access to primary care?

Ideal proposals should focus on improving access to care in both rural and urban communities by either focusing on a particular population in need of primary care services or a specific method of providing access to care in rural communities.

Innovative funding is very limited and competitive.

Concept Paper Details:
Develop a 2-3 page concept paper which summarizes the problem the project will address, goal of the project, description of the activities/intervention, objectives, anticipated outcomes, population served, timeline, and estimated overall cost.

Concept Paper Evaluation Criteria:

• Does the proposed intervention represent an opportunity with strong potential for success, expansion, and replication?
• Does the concept show a good understanding of what is being attempted, what will be required to follow through, and how to develop the concept into a full proposal?
• Is it well-written, succinct, and easy to understand?

Timeline:
Concept papers were accepted through April 14, 2008.
After review, MFH will invite select applicants to submit a full proposal.

Questions: Please contact Cynthia Hayes, Program Officer, at 314.345.5532 (toll-free 800.655.5560) or email chayes@mffh.org.