PREP-2026 Formula Grant Award Summary

The Maryland Department of Health, Prevention & Health Promotion Administration (PHPA) received a formula grant award of $632,394 from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACF) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP, CFDA 93.092). The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, supports sexual health education and youth development initiatives targeting Maryland residents ages 10-19, with special focus on pregnant and parenting youth under age 21. PHPA delivers evidence-based, medically-accurate education programs addressing abstinence and contraception to prevent teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV/AIDS.

The program encompasses comprehensive adulthood preparation instruction across Maryland's 24 jurisdictions, integrating six core topics: adolescent development, healthy life skills, healthy relationships, parent-child communication, financial literacy, and career and educational success. Services prioritize vulnerable and at-risk populations including youth in foster care, juvenile justice systems, victims of human trafficking, and youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability. PHPA implements these evidence-based initiatives through partnerships with local health departments, academic institutions, community-based organizations, and healthcare systems to deliver culturally appropriate, age-appropriate sexual health education and youth development services to underserved populations throughout the state.