MN LEND Funding Renewed Through 2021

Federal funding for ICI’s Minnesota Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (MN LEND) has been renewed and increased through a new five-year, $3.5 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that began July 1. “This renewal will allow continued opportunities for collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Human Services, Minnesota Disability Law Center and a number of non-profit agencies in areas that support policy innovation, service delivery, translational research, and other dissemination activities,” says Joe Reichle, MN LEND director. “Additionally, it will continue to provide a mechanism for University of Minnesota predoctoral and postdoctoral students to participate in interdisciplinary training and collaboration focused on pressing needs in health, human services, and education.” Since its establishment in 2009, MN LEND has offered interdisciplinary training opportunities for graduate students and community professionals to enhance their ability to improve the health and well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults who have, or are risk of developing, autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental and related disabilities. Of particular emphasis for MN LEND’s future work is continued expansion of our state’s capacity to understand how culturally and linguistically diverse populations throughout Minnesota perceive health, make health decisions related to screening and assessment, and then choose treatment or educational services for their children and families.