Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) has been awarded the Special Pathogen Treatment and Network Development (STAND) Award, which comes with a $500,000 grant aimed at improving its ability to treat patients with high-consequence infectious diseases.
The award is administered by the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC), in partnership with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The STAND Award is part of a nationwide initiative to increase preparedness among Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Centers. It provides support for staff training, simulation exercises, specialized equipment, laboratory enhancements, infection prevention measures, and emergency coordination protocols.
“Receiving the STAND Award is a testament to Yale New Haven Hospital’s unwavering commitment to patient safety and public health,” said Katherine Heilpern, MD, president of Yale New Haven Hospital. “This funding will strengthen our infrastructure and ensure our frontline teams can respond rapidly and effectively to outbreaks of dangerous pathogens. Nationally, 54 hospitals received this award, and it’s an honor to be part of this elite group working to advance preparedness and readiness.”
The inclusion of YNHH in this network aims to help communities access quality care during public health emergencies by integrating it into an enhanced national system of Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Centers.
“This grant empowers us to build on our existing infectious disease expertise and collaboration with regional public health partners,” said David Calfee, MD, chief epidemiologist at Yale New Haven Health. “It enables critical advancements in protocols, training and patient care practices – ultimately strengthening our ability to protect both patients and our community.”
YNHH continues its partnerships with NETEC, ASPR, and other public health agencies as part of efforts to improve healthcare system resilience against future infectious disease threats.
Yale New Haven Hospital serves as the primary teaching hospital for the Yale School of Medicine. It operates two campuses in New Haven along with several specialty hospitals including children’s, psychiatric, and cancer centers. The hospital employs approximately 4,500 physicians across more than 100 specialties.
