Johnson City Medical Center awarded competitive federal grant to enhance special pathogen preparedness

One of 54 hospitals in the nation, and only hospital in Tennessee

Johnson City Medical Center, a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center within the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS), has been selected to receive a $500,000 federal grant to enhance its role as a regional center of care for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases.

Johnson City Medical Center is the only hospital in Tennessee selected to receive the award and one of just 54 hospitals nationwide chosen through a competitive review process.

The funding, awarded through the Special Pathogen Treatment, Assessment, and Network Development (STAND) Award program, is provided by the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC), a national leader in special pathogen preparedness and response.

The grant supports Johnson City Medical Center’s role as a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center within the NSPS, a tiered national framework designed to ensure coordinated, high-quality care during outbreaks of highly infectious diseases.

As a Level 2 facility, Johnson City Medical Center is equipped to provide specialized care to patients with high-consequence infectious diseases for the duration of their illness; accept patient transfers from across the region and beyond when needed; support surge response efforts; and partner with other designated treatment centers while participating in a national network focused on preparedness and shared best practices.

“This investment underscores our commitment to protecting both our patients and our care teams while ensuring our region is prepared to respond quickly and safely to emerging infectious threats,” said Rebecca Beck, CEO of Johnson City Medical Center. “This funding allows us to continue strengthening the infrastructure, training and protocols that support high-quality care in even the most complex situations.”

Johnson City Medical Center was selected through a competitive national review process that identified hospitals and health systems committed to advancing special pathogen preparedness. Grant funding will support enhanced training for clinical staff, acquisition of specialized equipment and further development of systems and protocols necessary for the safe delivery of special pathogen care.

“Preparedness is built long before an outbreak occurs,” said Jamie Swift, chief infection prevention officer at Ballad Health. “This grant enables us to expand specialized training, improve readiness across disciplines and ensure we can deliver safe, evidence-based care while minimizing risk to patients, staff and the community.”

During the award period, NETEC will work in collaboration with Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers to provide ongoing technical assistance, education and verification support to ensure recipients meet Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center standards.