Three hospitals within the NYC Health + Hospitals system have been recognized for their commitment to managing high-consequence infectious diseases. On January 15, 2024, the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS) awarded the Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment and Network Development (STAND) Award to Elmhurst, Jacobi, and Harlem hospitals. This honor enhances the public health care system’s capacity to care for patients with complex infectious diseases and comes with grants of up to $500,000 for training and operational readiness.
Dr. Ted Long, Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Care and Population Health at NYC Health + Hospitals, expressed the significance of this recognition. He noted, “For generations, NYC Health + Hospitals has been on the frontlines of every major infectious disease threat facing our city, including the COVID-19 pandemic.” The funding from the STAND Award will bolster staff training, infrastructure, and preparedness, ensuring that these facilities can respond effectively when crises arise.
Strengthening National Preparedness
The STAND Award aims to enhance national readiness for special pathogens. Dr. Michelle Morse, Acting Commissioner of the NYC Health Department, highlighted the importance of New York City’s role as a global travel hub. “An infectious disease outbreak abroad can quickly become a public health concern here at home,” she said, emphasizing the necessity of robust health systems to prevent disease spread.
NYC Health + Hospitals has a long-standing history of responding to infectious diseases, with the Special Pathogens Program at Bellevue Hospital playing a critical role during the Ebola outbreak in 2014. Bellevue is designated as the NSPS Level 1 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center, providing a foundation for the new Level 2 centers.
John Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, remarked on the significance of this development. “NETEC is pleased to welcome three distinguished facilities within the NYC Health + Hospitals system into the National Special Pathogen System as Level 2 treatment centers,” he stated. This expansion contributes to a national effort that adds 54 new Special Pathogen Treatment Centers across 28 U.S. states and territories.
Collaborative Care and Community Impact
Elmhurst, Jacobi, and Harlem hospitals will collaborate closely with the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) and other regional partners to establish and maintain readiness standards. These centers are designed to provide specialized care for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases and to coordinate responses during potential outbreaks.
Dr. Laura Iavicoli, Chief Medical Officer at Elmhurst Hospital, emphasized the importance of this grant. “Securing the NETEC STAND Level 2 grant is a powerful affirmation of Elmhurst Hospital’s commitment to protecting our patients, our workforce, and our community,” she said. The hospitals are not only focused on preparedness but also on reinforcing the region’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging health threats.
Bellevue Hospital, as the Level 1 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center, will play a crucial role in coordinating training and operational response within the network. Dr. Vikramjit Mukherjee, Chief of Critical Care at Bellevue, highlighted the strategic advantage of having multiple centers within the NYC Health + Hospitals system, stating, “We are thrilled with the addition of Elmhurst, Harlem, and Jacobi as Level 2 treatment centers, strengthening NYC Health + Hospitals’ collective capacity.”
The NYC Health + Hospitals System Biopreparedness Team will oversee the implementation of the STAND Award initiatives, ensuring that the three hospitals enhance their special pathogens programs effectively. Dr. Syra Madad, Chief Biopreparedness Officer, remarked, “These awards recognize the extraordinary preparedness and expertise of our frontline teams.”
In a city where the demand for quick and effective medical care is paramount, the recognition of these hospitals as Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Centers reassures the community that they are prepared to face potential health crises. As Dr. Christopher Mastromano, Chief Executive Officer of Jacobi Hospital, emphasized, “This NETEC STAND Level 2 Award is an important recognition and a sign to our patients and neighbors that if there’s an outbreak of a high-consequence infectious disease, Jacobi will be ready to respond with the expertise and specialized care they need.”
The dedication to excellence in patient care and preparedness across the NYC Health + Hospitals system signifies a robust commitment to public health, ensuring safety and support for New Yorkers during any health emergency.