HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response

HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)

Today, HHS Secretary Kennedy declared a Public Health Emergency in Hawaii in response to recent severe storms, landslide...
04/21/2026

Today, HHS Secretary Kennedy declared a Public Health Emergency in Hawaii in response to recent severe storms, landslides, and flooding. This declaration gives CMS health care providers and suppliers more flexibility as they work to address the disaster health needs of the people of Hawaii.

ASPR is providing data from the HHS emPOWER Program to help our partners address the needs of at-risk individuals, providing crisis counseling through the Disaster Distress Helpline, and offering technical assistance materials through ASPR TRACIE. https://aspr.hhs.gov/newsroom/Pages/PHE-Severe-Storms-Hawaii.aspx

Prepare for Launch! The Digital Stockpile & Manufacturing Response Network (DS-MRN) Challenge is coming soon! We are lo...
04/21/2026

Prepare for Launch! The Digital Stockpile & Manufacturing Response Network (DS-MRN) Challenge is coming soon! We are looking for innovators to develop solutions that address the need for a secure digital infrastructure of medical product designs and create a network of domestic industry manufacturers who can deliver key products during supply chain disruptions.

We are offering $2.04 million in total prizes for solutions that enhance the future of resilient readiness and response capabilities.

Learn more and sign up to receive updates: https://www.expeditionhacks.com/pre-launch/digital-stockpile-challenge

For over 20 years, UNMC and ASPR have worked together to build the emergency preparedness capacity needed to address hig...
04/20/2026

For over 20 years, UNMC and ASPR have worked together to build the emergency preparedness capacity needed to address high-consequence infectious disease threats. UNMC is a leader in protecting patients, providers, and communities, using innovative approaches to isolate and treat patients; train providers; and enhance health care system readiness.

HHS Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, John Knox and Congressional representatives visited the UNMC’s s Global Center for Health Security to discuss how we can continue to support Nebraska’s efforts to strengthen resilience at the state and regional levels.

UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security is just one of the programs paid for using

Health Care Readiness and Recovery funding and the authorities granted under the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act. The Center stands as a model of both innovation and partnership, showing how the right partnerships, authorities, and funding are needed to build and sustain effective state and regional preparedness.

Now, uninsured residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in areas impacted by Typhoon Sinlaku 2026 c...
04/20/2026

Now, uninsured residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in areas impacted by Typhoon Sinlaku 2026 can replace their 30-day supply of essential prescription medications, durable medical equipment, and medical supplies from any pharmacy that participates in the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP). EPAP can cover replacement of select durable medical equipment (DME) and supplies, including items such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood glucose meters, and test strips.

Refills may be authorized in 30-day increments for as long as the program remains active. For help, call 855-793-7470 (TTY 800-876-1089).

To learn more about the program, check out our latest press release: https://aspr.hhs.gov/newsroom/Pages/EPAP-Activation-Sinlaku-20Apr2026.aspx

In response to Super Typhoon Sinlaku, HHS Secretary Kennedy declared a Public Health Emergency in Guam and the Commonwea...
04/18/2026

In response to Super Typhoon Sinlaku, HHS Secretary Kennedy declared a Public Health Emergency in Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands as ASPR mobilized response assets.

Here’s what APSR is doing to help these U.S. territories:

✅ Pre-deployed medical responders and equipment;
✅ Working with our federal and territorial partners to assess public health and medical needs; and
✅ Making data from the HHS emPOWER program available to support territorial efforts to help thousands of people who rely on electricity-dependent durable medical equipment and certain healthcare services—such as dialysis, oxygen, and home health care.
✅Encouraging peolple who need help coping with the storm’s impacts to call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for free, confidential support.

The Public Health Emergency declaration gives the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

To learn more about the actions we’re taking to help in the wake of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, read our full press release. https://aspr.hhs.gov/newsroom/Pages/PHE-Typhoon-Sinlaku.aspx

04/17/2026

In disaster response, smart leadership decisions save lives.

ASPR TRACIE and the American College of Emergency Physicians invite you to a free virtual conference focused on building the critical skills needed for to navigate challenges in disaster medicine and take actions that protect patients, providers, and staff.

Register today. Space is limited. CME credit available. https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/disaster-leadership

ASPR TRACIE, in partnership with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), is hosting a free, half-day virtua...
04/15/2026

ASPR TRACIE, in partnership with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), is hosting a free, half-day virtual conference on Medical Leadership in Disaster Preparedness and Response on May 11.

Learn from experts on the real-world responsibilities, challenges, and best practices of leading in disaster settings. Find out how to implement effective response strategies, manage downtime, and leverage healthcare surge tools.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are available. Space is limited. Secure your spot today: https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/disaster-leadership

When systems go down, the stakes go up. Building on January’s cybersecurity preparedness discussion, join the next ses...
04/08/2026

When systems go down, the stakes go up. Building on January’s cybersecurity preparedness discussion, join the next session where experts will share practical strategies and proven processes to strengthen cyber resilience and maintain continuity of care during cyberattacks.

The April 21 session entitled, “Downtime Details for Continuity of Care: Operationalizing Cyber Resiliency in Health Care,” is part of a regular, monthly series, occurring from 12:00-1:15 PM ET on the second Tuesday of every month.

Participation is free, but registration is required. One hour of Continuing Medical Education, Continuing Nursing Education, and Continuing Education for Emergency Medical Services credits are available to participants who attend the live sessions and fill out a brief survey. Register Today: https://bit.ly/4bzs1Ye

Make sure you’re the first to know about each Clinical Readiness Rounds session. Sign up for the newsletter here by selecting the Clinical Readiness Rounds box under the “Programs” header: mcq2gw7gq8-hdsfhqxzn30v35pgy.pub.sfmc-content.com/pkfzr21dq5z.

More than 85% of sepsis cases are present upon arrival to the emergency department. That means many patients are already...
04/06/2026

More than 85% of sepsis cases are present upon arrival to the emergency department. That means many patients are already progressing toward severe illness before hospital care begins.

Point of care tests are essential to changing that trajectory.

BARDA is partnering with Ad Astra Diagnostics (AAD) to advance the QScout® CBC test, an AI-powered, host-based complete blood count test that delivers infection severity insights in less than three minutes—right at the point of need. This portable system is designed to deliver results in ambulances, small clinics, and other point-of-need settings.

By investing in AI-enabled diagnostics, BARDA is working to help providers identify high-risk patients earlier, communicate critical information ahead of arrival to the emergency department, and initiate appropriate care without delay.

Early detection isn’t just innovation. It’s better outcomes for patients, especially during seasonal surges, pandemics, and disasters.

Find out how BARDA is transforming host-based testing in the latest edition of the ASPR Blog. https://aspr.hhs.gov/ASPRBlog/Pages/BlogDetailView.aspx?ItemID=509

When disasters hit a rural hospital, there’s no backup down the street. Rural hospitals confront distinct and often more...
04/06/2026

When disasters hit a rural hospital, there’s no backup down the street. Rural hospitals confront distinct and often more serious challenges when treating patients than those in more urban areas. Some of the challenges include workforce and other resource shortages, shrinking rural health care services, socioeconomic factors that add to resident health risks, and public health issues. Rural areas also sometimes include tribal communities, which have the autonomy to respond to and manage incidents that occur on their lands.

Health care practitioners who serve rural and tribal communities can use ASPR TRACIE’s topic collection on rural disaster health to strengthen preparedness in their facilities. Check out tailored tools, practical guidance, and lessons learned from other health care practitioners working in rural and tribal communities. https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/technical-resources/92/rural-disaster-health/47

BARDA is seeking a strategic partner with expertise in both medical diagnostics and devices and experience in entreprene...
04/06/2026

BARDA is seeking a strategic partner with expertise in both medical diagnostics and devices and experience in entrepreneurship support to accelerate breakthrough medical technologies. The partner will lead the BARDA Accelerator Network Diagnostics/Medical Devices Hub dedicated to development and acceleration of novel diagnostics and medical devices to detect, prevent, or respond to medical consequences that result from health security threats.

Partners will help equip BARDA-aligned innovators with potential funding and the business acumen, technical insight, and commercialization support needed to translate ideas into solutions that address health security threats.

Submissions are due by 12PM ET on April 20th, 2026. Find out more and apply to lead the BARDA Accelerator Network Diagnostics/Medical Devices Hub: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/b24fdd5e5eb141959b25eae287457336/view

Address

200 Independence Avenue SW
Washington D.C., DC
20201

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Featured

Share