Integrated health research for medb conditions in children

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences awarded a $7.5 million cooperative agreement to The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., effective September 15, 2025, through September 14, 2028, under the Uniformed Services University Medical Research Projects program (CFDA 12.750). This agreement funds integrated health research addressing mental, emotional, developmental, and behavioral (MEDB) conditions in children, with particular focus on military-connected and underserved populations. The foundation serves as the prime recipient, coordinating research initiatives designed to advance evidence-based solutions and clinical practices for pediatric MEDB conditions within military and veteran families.

The cooperative agreement incorporates three sub-awards to leading research institutions extending the scope of the research effort. Georgetown University is implementing a parent-to-peer support program for enlisted families with children ages 0-12 with MEDB concerns, addressing identified gaps in support services for military-connected families. Kennedy Krieger Institute is conducting integrated health research on MEDB conditions in children, leveraging its specialized expertise in behavioral health and neuroscience. The University of Minnesota is investigating telehealth modalities to provide supplemental caregiver support for underserved, rural, and military-connected families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while examining feasibility, acceptability, efficacy, and long-term outcomes on child and caregiver wellbeing. Together, these research initiatives advance the Department of Defense's mission to support military personnel, veterans, and their families through clinically relevant pediatric health research.