Cooper University Health Care has been awarded a $500,000 federal STAND Award, solidifying its position as a primary frontline defender against high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) in the region.
The grant, issued by the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC), designates Cooper as a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center (SPTC). This placing integrates the Camden-based health system into the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS), a coordinated network designed to handle large-scale outbreaks and public health emergencies.
Cooper emerged from a rigorous national review process as one of only 54 hospitals nationwide to receive this designation. The funding is part of the Special Pathogen Treatment, Assessment, and Network Development (STAND) initiative, which identifies facilities with the infrastructure and leadership necessary to manage rare but dangerous pathogens.
“This recognition reflects Cooper’s long-standing commitment to preparedness and protecting patients, caregivers, and the community,” said Simon Sarkisian, medical director of Disaster Medicine at Cooper. “The STAND Award strengthens our ability to integrate evidence-based practices and train our teams to safely care for patients during high-consequence infectious disease events.”
The $500,000 grant will be utilized to bolster several critical areas of emergency response:
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Specialized Training: Advanced education for medical staff on the containment and treatment of HCIDs.
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Equipment Upgrades: Enhancements to specialized isolation and treatment gear.
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Protocol Development: Creating and refining systems to ensure safe patient care without compromising the safety of the broader hospital environment.
Throughout the grant period, Cooper will receive technical assistance and verification support from NETEC and Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs) to ensure they exceed the national standards for Level 2 facilities.
