Deadline: 17-Jul-2026
The Regional Pediatric Prevention Network Program is a pediatric disaster preparedness initiative designed to strengthen emergency care systems for children through collaboration among children’s hospitals, university pediatric partners, and community organizations. The program focuses on disaster response coordination, healthcare preparedness, community resilience, and equitable access to pediatric emergency care, particularly for vulnerable and underserved child populations.
With total estimated funding of $22.5 million and an award ceiling of $11.25 million, the program supports the creation of a Regional Pediatric Prevention Network consisting of at least ten children’s hospitals or affiliated pediatric institutions working together to improve pediatric disaster readiness and response.
Program Overview
The Regional Pediatric Prevention Network Program aims to enhance the ability of healthcare systems to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and public health emergencies affecting children.
The initiative promotes coordinated planning, regional collaboration, emergency preparedness, and knowledge sharing among pediatric healthcare providers and community stakeholders. By creating strong partnerships, the program seeks to ensure that children receive timely and effective care during emergencies, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other large-scale crises.
The program also supports the development of resilient pediatric healthcare systems capable of addressing the unique medical, behavioral, and social needs of children during emergencies.
Program Goals
The primary goal of the program is to strengthen pediatric disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities across local, regional, and national healthcare systems.
Key objectives include:
- Improving pediatric emergency preparedness.
- Enhancing disaster response coordination.
- Strengthening healthcare system resilience.
- Expanding regional collaboration among pediatric providers.
- Supporting vulnerable and underserved child populations.
- Promoting evidence-based pediatric emergency care.
- Building sustainable community partnerships.
- Improving readiness for public health emergencies and disasters.
Key Focus Areas
Pediatric Emergency Preparedness
The program supports planning and preparedness activities that help healthcare providers effectively respond to emergencies involving children.
Activities may include:
- Emergency preparedness planning
- Pediatric surge capacity development
- Disaster training and exercises
- Emergency response protocols
- Resource coordination
Disaster Response Coordination
Participating organizations work together to improve disaster response systems and communication networks.
Focus areas include:
- Incident response coordination
- Emergency communication systems
- Resource sharing
- Multi-agency collaboration
- Regional response planning
Regional Healthcare Collaboration
The program establishes partnerships among children’s hospitals, pediatric specialists, healthcare systems, and community organizations.
Collaboration helps:
- Improve care coordination
- Share best practices
- Strengthen referral networks
- Enhance emergency response capabilities
- Standardize preparedness efforts
Community Partnership Development
Community engagement is a critical component of the initiative.
Partners may include:
- Public health agencies
- Emergency management organizations
- Schools and educational institutions
- Community health organizations
- Tribal organizations
- Nonprofit service providers
Research-Informed Pediatric Care
The program encourages the use of evidence-based practices and research-informed approaches to improve pediatric emergency preparedness and disaster response.
Areas of focus include:
- Pediatric disaster medicine
- Emergency care best practices
- Public health preparedness
- Child health outcomes
- Healthcare system resilience
Establishing the Regional Pediatric Prevention Network
A central component of the program is the creation of a Regional Pediatric Prevention Network.
The network must include:
- At least ten children’s hospitals or affiliated university pediatric partners.
- Community-based organizations and stakeholders.
- Regional healthcare partners.
- Emergency preparedness and response organizations.
The network will work collaboratively to improve pediatric emergency readiness at local, regional, and national levels.
Network Responsibilities
Participating organizations are expected to:
- Share expertise and resources.
- Develop coordinated preparedness strategies.
- Strengthen emergency response systems.
- Support training and education initiatives.
- Improve communication and collaboration.
- Advance pediatric disaster care practices.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Children’s hospitals as defined under 42 U.S.C. § 256e.
- Affiliated university pediatric partners.
- Organizations that meet all program eligibility requirements.
Applicants must demonstrate their ability to participate in and support a multi-institutional pediatric preparedness network.
Priority Populations
The program places special emphasis on improving disaster preparedness and emergency care for vulnerable children and underserved communities.
Priority populations include:
Children with Special Healthcare Needs
Children requiring ongoing medical care, specialized equipment, or complex healthcare services.
Children with Behavioral Health Conditions
Children experiencing mental health, emotional, or behavioral challenges during emergencies and disasters.
Rural and Remote Communities
Children living in areas with limited healthcare access and emergency resources.
Tribal Communities
Programs and partnerships designed to support Indigenous and tribal populations.
Low-Income and Underserved Populations
Communities that face economic, social, or healthcare access barriers during emergencies.
Why This Program Matters
Children have unique healthcare needs during disasters and public health emergencies that differ significantly from adults.
This program helps address critical gaps in pediatric disaster preparedness by:
- Improving emergency response systems.
- Expanding access to pediatric expertise.
- Supporting coordinated healthcare delivery.
- Reducing disparities in emergency care.
- Strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
- Enhancing community resilience.
By focusing on collaboration and preparedness, the initiative helps ensure that children receive appropriate care during emergencies regardless of their location or circumstances.
Funding Information
Total Program Funding
The estimated total funding available is:
$22,500,000
Award Ceiling
The maximum award amount is:
$11,250,000
Funding supports activities that strengthen pediatric disaster preparedness, emergency response coordination, network development, training, and healthcare system resilience.
How the Program Works
Step 1: Establish Network Partnerships
Eligible organizations form a regional network consisting of children’s hospitals, university pediatric partners, and community stakeholders.
Step 2: Assess Preparedness Needs
Participating organizations evaluate current emergency preparedness capabilities and identify gaps.
Step 3: Develop Regional Strategies
Network members create coordinated plans for pediatric disaster preparedness and emergency response.
Step 4: Implement Preparedness Activities
Organizations conduct training, planning exercises, community outreach, and preparedness initiatives.
Step 5: Strengthen Emergency Response Systems
The network enhances communication, resource-sharing, and response coordination mechanisms.
Step 6: Monitor and Improve Outcomes
Participants evaluate program effectiveness and continuously improve preparedness strategies.
Expected Outcomes
The program seeks to achieve several long-term outcomes, including:
- Improved pediatric emergency preparedness.
- Enhanced disaster response coordination.
- Stronger healthcare system resilience.
- Greater regional collaboration.
- Reduced disparities in pediatric disaster care.
- Better support for vulnerable populations.
- Increased access to pediatric emergency expertise.
- More effective community preparedness efforts.
Common Challenges and Best Practices
Common Challenges
Organizations may face:
- Coordination across multiple institutions.
- Resource limitations.
- Geographic barriers.
- Communication challenges during emergencies.
- Addressing diverse community needs.
Best Practices
Successful networks often:
- Establish clear governance structures.
- Conduct regular preparedness exercises.
- Engage community stakeholders early.
- Use data-driven planning approaches.
- Prioritize vulnerable populations.
- Share resources and expertise across institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Regional Pediatric Prevention Network Program?
It is a federally funded initiative that strengthens pediatric disaster preparedness and emergency care through collaboration among children’s hospitals, pediatric partners, and community organizations.
Who can apply for funding?
Eligible applicants include children’s hospitals defined under 42 U.S.C. § 256e and affiliated university pediatric partners that meet program requirements.
How much funding is available?
The program provides an estimated total funding amount of $22.5 million, with an award ceiling of $11.25 million.
What is the purpose of the Regional Pediatric Prevention Network?
The network is designed to improve pediatric emergency preparedness, disaster response coordination, healthcare collaboration, and community resilience.
How many hospitals must participate in the network?
The network must include at least ten children’s hospitals or affiliated university pediatric partners.
Which populations receive special focus under the program?
Priority populations include children with special healthcare needs, behavioral health concerns, and children living in rural, remote, tribal, low-income, and underserved communities.
Why is pediatric disaster preparedness important?
Children have unique medical, developmental, and behavioral healthcare needs during emergencies. Specialized preparedness planning helps ensure effective care and better outcomes during disasters and public health crises.
Conclusion
The Regional Pediatric Prevention Network Program is a major initiative focused on improving pediatric disaster preparedness, emergency response coordination, and healthcare system resilience. Through a network of children’s hospitals, university pediatric partners, and community organizations, the program strengthens the capacity to protect and care for children during disasters and public health emergencies.
By prioritizing collaboration, equity, preparedness planning, and support for vulnerable populations, the program helps create stronger and more resilient pediatric healthcare systems capable of responding effectively to future crises.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
