§ 280g–9 — Programs To Improve Quality Of Life For Persons With Paralysis And Other Physical Disabilities

(a) The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”) may study the unique health challenges associated with paralysis and other physical disabilities and carry out projects and interventions to improve the quality of life and long-term health status of persons with paralysis and other physical disabilities. The Secretary may carry out such projects directly and through awards of grants or contracts. (b) Activities under subsection (a) may include— (1) the development of a national paralysis and physical disability quality of life action plan, to promote health and wellness in order to enhance full participation, independent living, self-sufficiency, and equality of opportunity in partnership with voluntary health agencies focused on paralysis and other physical disabilities, to be carried out in coordination with the State-based Disability and Health Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (2) support for programs to disseminate information involving care and rehabilitation options and quality of life grant programs supportive of community-based programs and support systems for persons with paralysis and other physical disabilities; (3) in collaboration with other centers and national voluntary health agencies, the establishment of a population-based database that may be used for longitudinal and other research on paralysis and other disabling conditions; and (4) the replication and translation of best practices and the sharing of information across States, as well as the development of comprehensive, unique, and innovative programs, services, and demonstrations within existing State-based disability and health programs of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which are designed to support and advance quality of life programs for persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities focusing on— (A) caregiver education; (B) promoting proper nutrition, increasing physical activity, and reducing tobacco use; (C) education and awareness programs for health care providers; (D) prevention of secondary complications; (E) home- and community-based interventions; (F) coordinating services and removing barriers that prevent full participation and integration into the community; and (G) recognizing the unique needs of underserved populations. (c) The Secretary may award grants in accordance with the following: (1) To State and local health and disability agencies for the purpose of— (A) establishing a population-based database that may be used for longitudinal and other research on paralysis and other disabling conditions; (B) developing comprehensive paralysis and other physical disability action plans and activities focused on the items listed in subsection (b)(4); (C) assisting State-based programs in establishing and implementing partnerships and collaborations that maximize the input and support of people with paralysis and other physical disabilities and their constituent organizations; (D) coordinating paralysis and physical disability activities with existing State-based disability and health programs; (E) providing education and training opportunities and programs for health professionals and allied caregivers; and (F) developing, testing, evaluating, and replicating effective intervention programs to maintain or improve health and quality of life. (2) To private health and disability organizations for the purpose of— (A) disseminating information to the public; (B) improving access to services for persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities and their caregivers; (C) testing model intervention programs to improve health and quality of life; and (D) coordinating existing services with State-based disability and health programs. (d) The Secretary shall ensure that activities under this section are coordinated as appropriate by the agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services. (e) For the purpose of carrying out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2011.