Children And Youth With Specific Health Care Needs Communications Strategy

Background
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH), specifically the Office of Children and Youth with Specific Health Care Needs, is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) to develop a comprehensive communications plan.
The goal is to enhance the health outcomes of children and youth with specific health care needs through improved communication strategies that engage underserved communities.

Work Details
The selected applicant will develop a comprehensive communications strategy targeting core programs such as Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI), Newborn Bloodspot Screening, Sickle Cell Disease, and pediatric to adult health care transition.
The strategy must be culturally and linguistically appropriate, include tailored messaging based on behavioral change theories, and incorporate methods for evaluating effectiveness.
Deliverables include a detailed master work plan, a comprehensive analysis of target populations, a five-year communication strategy plan, and at least one ready-to-launch communication initiative by the end of Quarter 2.

Period of Performance
The anticipated duration of services is from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

Place of Performance
The services will be performed in Maryland.

Bidder Requirements
Applicants must be social organizations or local/state government agencies. Nonprofit organizations must be classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3).
The applicant must provide proof of tax-exempt status and demonstrate experience in developing comprehensive communications plans.