2008 International Community Access to Child Health
(I-CATCH)
Implementation Funds – Call For Proposals

In 2008, we are ready to start another great year of facilitating pediatricians working abroad to improve child healthcare access in developing/emerging countries. By collaborating with local community agencies to implement programs, I-CATCH recipients work to ensure that all children have medical homes and access to health care services. With that goal in mind, I-CATCH funding should lead to the establishment of successful programs that can be reproduced in other communities. A pediatrician who is a Fellow of the AAP or Affiliate Member of the AAP Section on International Child Health must lead the program and be involved in the proposal’s implementation and the program activities.

The I-Catch program gives financial and technical support to pediatricians in the initial stages of developing and implementing a community-based child health initiative. These grant funds are not allowable for planning purposes only, but must include implementation of the project within the first year of the grant cycle.. Priority will be given to projects serving communities with the greatest demonstrated health care access needs and health disparities. Strong collaborative community partnerships and future sustainability of the project are encouraged and expected.

The I-CATCH Program provides pediatricians with:

• Training and Technical Assistance: This will include training in needs assessment, community asset mapping, resource development, motivation of colleagues and community, coalition building, and program evaluation.
• Peer Support and Collaboration Opportunities: Pediatricians in developing countries will be linked with a “partner” pediatrician in the AAP with experience in international child health and if possible with domestic experience involving similar type community health projects. This partnership will facilitate exchanges of ideas and the opportunity to share successes and lessons learned in implementing specific projects.
• Funding Opportunities: The I-CATCH funds will provide financial support of a maximum of $6,000 over a three-year period to assist International AAP members and Section affiliates in implementing programs that will increase children’s access to health care and reduce barriers to child health services. Such programs could involve primary care, oral health care, mental health care, nutrition services, injury prevention and safety, and services for children with special health care needs.

Projects will be selected for funding based on:

• The perceived potential of the project to make a positive difference in the health and well-being of children in the local community and the potential impact it might have on the immediate region or perhaps on the country.
• The support the project has from other community agencies and the degree of their expressed collaboration.
• The perceived ability to not only sustain, but expand the program once I-CATCH funding was over.