Regional Pediatric Prevention Network

The Regional Pediatric Prevention Network program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA is a federal agency focused on improving access to health care services for people who are geographically isolated or economically or medically vulnerable. Through this initiative, HRSA seeks to strengthen national pediatric preparedness by investing in coordinated, regional systems capable of responding effectively to disasters and public health emergencies that impact children. The purpose of this program is to establish and support a Regional Pediatric Prevention Network that enhances the capacity of local and regional health systems to provide pediatric care during emergencies. The program emphasizes the development of strong community partnerships, coordinated preparedness planning, and the dissemination of evidence-based practices in pediatric disaster care. The network is expected to function as a collaborative structure that integrates hospitals, academic partners, and community organizations to ensure comprehensive readiness for a wide range of emergency scenarios. Funding will support the creation and operation of a network consisting of at least ten children’s hospitals or affiliated university pediatric partners. These entities will work together across regions to improve pediatric emergency preparedness at local, regional, and national levels. Allowable activities include advancing clinical preparedness protocols, improving coordination among health care providers, conducting training and exercises, and addressing the needs of vulnerable pediatric populations such as children with special health care needs, behavioral health concerns, those living in poverty, and those in rural, remote, or tribal communities. The program will be funded through cooperative agreements, indicating substantial involvement from HRSA in the execution and oversight of funded activities. Two primary awards are expected, with a total program funding amount of $22,500,000 and an individual award ceiling of $11,250,000. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity. The project period is anticipated to begin on September 1, 2026, following an estimated award date of August 1, 2026. Eligible applicants are limited to children’s hospitals as defined under federal statute or their affiliated university pediatric partners. Applicants must demonstrate eligibility consistent with the statutory definition outlined in the Public Health Service Act. The application process requires electronic submission through Grants.gov by the stated deadline. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast notice, applicants should expect standard federal submission requirements including organizational documentation, project narratives, and budget justifications. The application timeline indicates that the opportunity is currently in a forecasted stage, with an estimated posting date of May 1, 2026, and an application due date of June 1, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by August 1, 2026, with project activities commencing shortly thereafter. As a forecasted opportunity, additional details, including full application instructions and evaluation criteria, will be released in the official funding announcement upon posting. No recurring cycle is specified, and there are no indications of pre-application requirements such as letters of intent. For further information, applicants may contact the Maternal and Child Health Bureau Division of Child, Adolescent and Family Health using the provided phone number. Additional guidance and official documentation will be made available upon release of the full notice of funding opportunity.