WHO WE ARE

 The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training & Education Center (NETEC) offers innovative special pathogens education and training programs, robust consultation and program assessment, and special pathogens research support to health care agencies throughout the U.S., and across the world. Through NETEC workgroups, comprised of subject matter experts from the 13 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs), NETEC provides health care workers with the tools and experience they need to integrate special pathogens preparedness into the fabric of their day-to-day activities, helping to safeguard the lives and well-being of millions of Americans every day. Congress through the Appropriations Act in 2023, directs NETEC to serve as the NSPS coordinating body.

MISSION & VISION

NETEC’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources. Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems. 

TOOLS

NETEC and partners work to increase the capability of the U.S. public health and health care systems to safely and effectively manage special pathogens.

Preparing health care workers for special pathogen events through specialized education, training, and resources education, training, and resources

• Special Pathogens Research Network (SPRN)

Creating an infrastructure to improve readiness for conducting rapid clinical research related to special pathogens in the U.S.

• Consultation & Program Assessment

Assessing and advancing special pathogens readiness with free, expert consulting

• International Partnerships & Programs

Strengthening collaboration and knowledge-sharing among international special pathogens programs

Navigating the Fallout: Strategies for Radiological Incident Preparedness in Healthcare

by Angela Leek, PhD, CHP, R7DHRE Radiation Specialty Team Lead 

In today's world, where unforeseen events have turned into reality, radiological emergencies present a significant challenge to hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS), and healthcare coalitions. Instances such as the Fukushima Dai’ichi nuclear disaster, misplaced radioactive materials in Australia and Thailand, and the potential for radiological and nuclear dangers stemming from international conflicts, all highlight the reality that radiological incidents can and do happen. Given the health risks tied to exposure to radioactive substances, and the importance of understanding the spectrum of these risks—from mild to severe—it's crucial for healthcare organizations to be thoroughly prepared and knowledgeable about radiation and radiological incidents. 

• The National Infection Control Strengthening (NICS) team recently launched their  "Behind the Mask" Webinar Series. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the University Nebraska Medical Center, in partnership with Nebraska Medicine, NICS was selected as an innovation partner as part of Project Firstline with a focus on strengthening infection prevention and control programs in healthcare facilities in underserved areas to develop innovative programs, services, and product development strategies to strengthen IPC nationally and globally. To learn more about their upcoming webinars and to view their most recent one, click the button below. 

• Registration is now open for the April AHLS Provider/Instructor course which will be held from April 24-26 in Des Moines, IA. 

• If you missed our recent R7DHRE Preparedness Webinars, you can view them online! Our recent webinars include "Climate & Health in Region 7- Understanding the Impacts & Preparing for the Future", "Medical Management of Chemical Exposures", and "Disaster Gap: The Smallest Biggest Interval You've Never Heard Of."