An unplanned benefit...

We were to have been in Washington, DC starting yesterday through the end of the week, but a vigorous blizzard blew through western South Dakota beginning Sunday evening. All schools, most businesses and, crucially, the local regional airport were closed. Though we could have rescheduled and got out last night or today, we decided to simply cancel the non-essential trip. As a result, I have three unexpected days to spend in the office, and I can certainly use both the time and some focus. Can you relate? We have two large grant deadlines speeding toward us.

The first, due mid-May, is our annually recurring Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) grant intiative, sponsored by the Indian Health Service in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health. This is the 6th funding announcement, and the BHCAIH was successful in partnership with our three tribal and two institutional partners in rounds 1 (2001), 3 (2004), and 4 (2006).

The second deadline, in late May, is a large, collaborative program project grant (P50) in partnership with the University of Washington (UW) for a new Center for Population Health and Health Disparities, focused on American Indians and Alaska Natives. We have not pursued a P-series program project before, but we are very excited by the possiblity and feel that we have an excellent opportunity in partnership with the UW. So, enough blogging, time to roll up the sleeves and start pushing these boulders forward again!