Strengthening Regional Preparedness Through Partnership: Bellevue Hospital and NJHA Lead Train-the-Trainer Event

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In the landscape of special pathogen preparedness, partnership is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Within the framework of the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS), building and sustaining strong regional relationships is key to ensuring a rapid, coordinated, and effective response to high-consequence infectious disease threats.

The NSPS is a tiered System of Care composed of healthcare facilities across the country, each playing a distinct role in a national strategy for infectious disease readiness. The system is operationalized by the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC), which serves as its Coordinating Body. NETEC supports this national network by promoting training, tools, and coordination across all levels of care.

As a core component of the NSPS, Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs) are designated as Level 1 facilities and play a critical role in fostering partnerships and supporting readiness across their regions. These Level 1 RESPTCs serve as resource hubs, capable of delivering highly specialized care to patients of all ages and acuity who are suspected of or infected with a special pathogen. They are equipped and trained to care for patients for the duration of their illness, ensuring continuity and quality at the highest level of containment.

On April 29, 2025, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, the RESPTC for Region 2, teamed up with the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) to host a robust Train-the-Trainer event for healthcare professionals from across the region.

This day-long training brought together healthcare coalition members and frontline professionals for an immersive experience grounded in NETEC-supported best practices. Participants engaged in:

• An overview of the NSPS and NETEC resources
• Deep dives into special pathogens of concern
• Identify-Isolate-Inform (I-I-I) best practices
• Region 2 High-Consequence Infectious Disease Patient Transport Concept of Operations (CONOPs)
• PPE donning and doffing demonstrations and special pathogen response skills sessions
• Special pathogen-specific clinical techniques
• Q&A and discussion to share lessons learned and implementation strategies

By design, Train-the-Trainer programs are meant to expand the impact of preparedness efforts by equipping local leaders to bring knowledge and skills back to their own facilities. The collaboration between Bellevue Hospital and NJHA exemplifies the NSPS model in action: connecting RESPTCs with state-level healthcare leaders and hospital associations to build a unified response infrastructure.

As the sub-recipient of the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) for the state of New Jersey, NJHA plays a pivotal role in preparing healthcare facilities to respond to infectious disease outbreaks and other emergencies. From coordinating statewide healthcare coalitions to deploying resources during a crisis, NJHA serves as a vital link between federal priorities and on-the-ground response. Through strategic partnerships between RESPTCs, state hospital associations, and frontline healthcare workers, the NSPS ensures we are better prepared for the next threat, whatever it may be. Bellevue Hospital and NJHA’s joint effort in Region 2 is a model for the kind of regional coordination that makes our national system stronger, together.

How NETEC Supports the NSPS

NETEC—the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center—acts as the Coordinating Body of the NSPS. Through national guidance, regional support, and a vast library of clinical and operational tools, NETEC ensures that all components of the system are aligned, resourced, and empowered to respond effectively.

Events like this Train-the-Trainer are a testament to how the NSPS model is working: strengthening relationships, building capacity, and promoting a culture of readiness that spans state lines and institutional boundaries.