The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) has announced a $37.5 million national funding initiative designed to strengthen the United States’ preparedness for highly infectious and life-threatening diseases. The programme, supported by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), aims to help up to 75 hospitals across the country establish or enhance their roles as Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Centres (SPTCs).
This investment forms part of the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS), a federally coordinated network intended to bolster the country’s capacity to manage high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) such as Ebola or Nipah virus infections. These diseases typically cause severe illness, have high fatality rates, and pose a serious risk of transmission within hospital settings and communities.
Funding to Build Capacity and Safety
Through the NSPS Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment and Network Development (STAND) Award, selected facilities will receive grants of up to $500,000 each. The funding will cover critical infrastructure improvements, comprehensive staff training, and acquisition of specialist medical equipment in line with NSPS Level 2 requirements.
NETEC, serving as the Congressionally designated Coordinating Body for the NSPS, will oversee implementation alongside the Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTC) network. The organisation collaborates with healthcare systems, public health agencies, and emergency response bodies to develop national capabilities that safeguard both communities and healthcare professionals.
“Level 2 centers are the backbone of a resilient, skilled response to special pathogen threats,” said Shelly Schwedhelm, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Director of NSPS. “This initiative accelerates our mission to deliver top tier care closer to communities nationwide while strengthening protective measures for our health care workers.”
Expanding Regional Health Security
The new funding marks a strategic step forward in creating a tiered national framework for infectious disease response. Within this structure, Level 2 centres play a pivotal role, acting as specialist treatment hubs capable of managing patients through the full course of illness while coordinating with federal and regional partners.
“By investing in Level 2 centers, we build regional surge capacity and develop capabilities with hospitals across the country—not only in major metro areas—to respond rapidly and effectively,” said Aneesh K. Mehta, MD, FIDSA, FAST, NETEC Co-Principal Investigator at Emory University.
Dr Mehta’s remarks underscore efforts to decentralise America’s pathogen response network, ensuring that smaller and rural hospitals are equally equipped to deliver high-level care in emergencies.
Sustaining Readiness and Building Local Resilience
Dr John Lowe, PhD, NETEC Co-Principal Investigator at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, emphasised the long-term benefits of the programme. “This grant provides indispensable support for facilities striving to meet NSPS standards—from infrastructure upgrades to advanced training—making readiness both realistic and sustainable.”
Meanwhile, Dr Vikramjit Mukherjee, MD, NETEC Co-Principal Investigator at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, added: “Local access to specialized care minimizes disruption to communities and enhances health care workers safety. Strengthening Level 2 centers is foundational to both health security and HCID patient care.”
Together, their comments reflect a national drive to embed resilience across all levels of the healthcare system, ensuring preparedness is widespread and sustainable.
Application Process and Deadlines
Hospitals wishing to apply must demonstrate critical care capacity, inpatient services, emergency departments, and airborne infection isolation facilities. Current Level 1 RESPTCs and federal healthcare institutions are not eligible for the grant.
Applications for the NSPS STAND Award are open via https://netec.org/stand-fund-award/, with submissions closing at 4 p.m. CST on 2 December 2025. NETEC will provide recipients with technical assistance, tailored training, and assessment tools to help them achieve formal Level 2 verification.
Strengthening National Health Security
Public health experts suggest the initiative reflects growing federal attention to bio-preparedness and health security following global experiences with emerging infectious threats. By widening the network of capable treatment centres, the United States aims to ensure a faster, safer, and more coordinated response to future outbreaks while reducing risk to healthcare workers.
The NETEC initiative, according to observers, represents a major investment in both medical infrastructure and national resilience, reinforcing the country’s capacity to respond effectively to tomorrow’s most dangerous infectious challenges.
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