The U.S. Department of of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has announced a forecasted opportunity for funding of to 2-3 additional Regional Ebola and Other Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTC), which will expand the regional network special pathogen patient care.
This network currently consists ten RESPTCs , one in each of the 10 HHS regions. These facilities have enhanced capabilities to receive a confirmed Ebola/special pathogen patient. For example, each regional center must have respiratory infectious disease isolation capacity or negative pressure rooms for at least 10 patients. They must also be able to treat pediatric patients or partner with a neighboring facility to do so.
RESPTCs are intended to be a regional resource that can be ready within eight hours to receive a patient and provide highly specialized care including biocontainment, waste management, rapid diagnostic testing, etc. that cannot be delivered safely elsewhere.
Each RESPTC maintains a highly trained workforce capable of delivering highly specialized care, provides leadership in prevention and public education to surrounding communities, and supports continuing education for special pathogens. As regional connectors, RESPTCs are prepared to share resources, act as research hubs, and provide virtual care support to local frontline and middle tier facilities.
Regional Ebola and Other Special Pathogen Treatment Centers. Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. Opportunity Number: EP-U3R-22-002. Estimated Application Due Date: 2 May 2022.