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BIG VICTORY FOR PSYCHOLOGY!
Thanks to the strong support of Congressman Bill Young (R-FL),
Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and the determination
of Dr. Betty Duke, the Administrator for HRSA, we are very pleased
to announce that each of the 18 FY2002 GPE grantees (who were
denied the opportunity to re-compete for FY2003 funding) will
receive an administrative supplement for FY2003 to maintain their
funding through April 30, 2004. This increased funding to psychology
totals $1.4 million, and is in addition to the 26 FY2003 grants
announced in early June and the geropsychology awards to be made
by September 30th. The next funding cycle for GPE will begin May
1, 2004.
Finding monies to continue the 18 FY2002 grantee programs followed
a meeting held in Congressman Young's office with HRSA officials
and APA Executive Director of Education, Dr. Cynthia Belar. HRSA
staff agreed with APA and Congressman Young's staff that there
had been a number of problems identified in the FY2003 process,
and assured APA that steps would be taken to rectify them. Congressman
Young's staff also took this opportunity to make it clear that
the Chairman strongly supports the GPE program and wants to see
it become a permanent program within the Bureau of Health Professions.
In addition to securing monies for the 18 FY2002 grantees, HRSA
has taken a number of actions that have resulted in significant
gains for psychology. First, in order to assure improved implementation
of the GPE program, Dr. Duke has decided to move GPE to the BHPr
Division of Medicine and Dentistry (which fits nicely with GPE's
focus on interdisciplinary training). Next, the GPE program is
to be administered by Roger Straw, Ph.D., a psychologist with
over 13 years experience working within the Department of Health
and Human Services. Dr. Duke has pledged to take steps to seek
input from the field in developing the grant process, and has
assured us that all interested educational institutions will have
an opportunity to participate in a fair and open competition for
the GPE funds. Regarding FY2004 grant cycle, we have been advised
that the '04 GPE grant application announcement will be made October
1st, with applications due December 12, 2003. As noted above,
the new FY 2004 GPE grant awards will start May 1st.
Finally, we want to acknowledge the extraordinary and most effective
grassroots efforts of many psychologist-constituents across the
country. This experience has truly underscored the value of a
strong grassroots network, and its potential for success. Bravo
to all who worked so hard to help us turn a very difficult situation
into a very big win for psychology. Congratulations!
Amanda Ring
APA
31 July 2003
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