The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) announced a $37.5 million grant initiative, funded by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), aimed at expanding the nation’s readiness for high-consequence infectious diseases (HCID).
Funding from the NSPS Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment and Network Development (STAND) Award will enable up to 75 U.S. healthcare facilities to become or maintain status as Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (SPTCs)—a vital tier in the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS) designed to provide safe, high-quality care during HCID outbreaks.
The NSPS is a federally directed, tiered framework that coordinates special pathogen care across the United States. As the Congressionally designated Coordinating Body for NSPS, NETEC brings together healthcare systems, public health partners, and emergency services to develop key capabilities to safeguard communities and protect healthcare workers. Level 2 facilities serve as specialized treatment centers that care for patients throughout the duration of illness.
Selected facilities will receive up to $500,000 each to enhance critical infrastructure, conduct in-depth staff training, and obtain specialized equipment aligned with NSPS Level 2 requirements. NETEC and the Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTC) Level 1 network will also deliver expert technical assistance, training, and evaluation tools to support grantees on their path toward formal Level 2 verification.
The NSPS STAND application portal is now open at https://netec.org/stand-fund-award/. Applications are open to U.S. hospitals with critical care capabilities, inpatient services, emergency departments, and airborne infection isolation capabilities. Current Level 1 RESPTCs and federal healthcare facilities are not eligible. All proposals must be submitted by December 2, 2025, 4 p.m. CST.
See NETEC's announcement for more information
