510-FEPP First Episode Presentation Program NOFO Grant

The 510-FEPP First Episode Presentation Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to provide evidence-based treatment for early serious mental illness, particularly first episode psychosis. Utilizing Coordinated Specialty Care teams, the program targets individuals aged 14-40 who have experienced psychosis within the last 18 months. It focuses on reducing symptoms, improving functioning, and promoting recovery while addressing systemic inequities and fostering inclusivity across diverse communities.

Note: All applicants must be pre-qualified to respond to notice of funding opportunities or grant renewals.  From start to finish, the time to process all registrations can take up to 12 weeks. Your grant application cannot be processed until you are pre-qualified.
FIRST is an evidence-based treatment model of coordinated specialty care (CSC) created by the Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment (BeST) Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) to help the early identification and treatment of first episode psychosis. CSC is a team-based, multi-disciplinary collaborative, recovery-oriented, model of shared decision-making that occurs between the team and the individual experiencing their first episode of psychosis.
The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) adapted the BeST Center model to create FIRST.IL, a manualized, team-based, early intervention model that targets individuals between the ages of 14-40 who have experienced their first episode of psychosis within the last 18 months.
Funding Purpose
The general purpose of this program’s funding is to address early serious mental illness (ESMI) through a first episode psychosis program with the use of Coordinated Specialty Care teams The program is expected to make an early impact on the duration of untreated psychosis by reducing symptoms of psychotic illnesses, improving individual and family functioning, reducing the chance of psychotic relapse, promoting recovery and improving the long-term course of the illness, and decreasing the overall costs of treatment for the public good. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.