Hospitals can apply for ASPR funding to create pediatric disaster care centers

Hospitals and health systems may apply through Aug. 27 for a portion of $3 million in funding to create Pediatric Disaster Care Centers of Excellence to enhance pediatric care during public health crises, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response announced last week. Applicants should have existing pediatric preparedness capabilities and the capacity to manage pediatric patients within their state and a self-defined multi-state region during a public health emergency, the agency said. Proposed in April, the centers will serve as pilot sites for the creation of a Regional Pediatric Disaster Care Network and identify issues, develop best practices, and demonstrate potential effectiveness and viability that could apply nationwide during public health emergencies and disasters, ASPR said.