UNC Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC)

The University of North Carolina Medical Center (UNCMC) in partnership with the UNC Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases (IGHID) proposes to establish a Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC) in US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Region 4, covering most of the US South. The goal of this project is to build on the strong foundation of current capabilities at UNCMC and the UNC Health system of hospitals and clinics to establish a RESPTC that will enhance special pathogen readiness for this region and the nation. The objectives of the UNC RESPTC are to: a) Develop a state-of-the-art, responsive, and accessible facility staffed by a highly-trained workforce to care for and manage patients across the life span infected with a special pathogen including capacity to surge, if necessary, b) Enhance preparedness of regional healthcare partners by collaborating with the Emory RESPTC and the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) to provide best practices training for emerging pathogen preparedness and response including the ability to identify, isolate, and inform (3I) and provide high-quality care to special pathogens patients, and c) Support regional special pathogen readiness and response by playing a coordinating role during events and providing technical assistance and critical supplies such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on request. Collectively, the outcomes of this project will establish UNC RESPTC as a valuable resource for clinical care, training, and material support to meet future major infectious diseases challenges.