NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Trains Nearly 500 Professionals to Strengthen Special Pathogen Readiness across HHS Region 2 - NYC Health + Hospitals

January 28, 2026 - 04:26

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue announced today that it has trained close to 500 health care and public health professionals across four jurisdictions in a significant effort to enhance regional readiness for special pathogen outbreaks. This intensive training program, conducted over the past year, targeted frontline staff within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Region 2, which encompasses New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The initiative focused on equipping participants with the critical skills needed to safely identify, isolate, and provide care for patients infected with high-consequence pathogens, such as Ebola or novel coronaviruses. Training modules covered a comprehensive range of topics, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination procedures, waste management, and patient transport protocols. The hands-on, simulation-based approach ensured that personnel could confidently translate knowledge into practice during a real-world public health emergency.

This coordinated effort, spearheaded by Bellevue’s longstanding Special Pathogens Program, is designed to create a resilient network of prepared facilities across the region. By standardizing response protocols and building a cadre of highly trained professionals, the program aims to ensure a swift, effective, and unified response to future infectious disease threats, ultimately safeguarding both healthcare workers and the communities they serve. The hospital emphasized that this investment in preparedness is a cornerstone of public health security for the entire Northeast.