Regional Pediatric Prevention Network

The Regional Pediatric Prevention Network (RPPN) program, offered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a federally funded initiative designed to bolster regional and local capacity for pediatric disaster and emergency preparedness. Under the authority of the Special Projects of Regional and National Significance (Assistance Listing 93.110), this grant opportunity seeks to empower a select network of children’s hospitals or their university pediatric affiliates to function as regional preparedness centers. These institutions will collaborate with community partners to ensure that children, including those with special healthcare needs, those experiencing behavioral health challenges, and children residing in rural, remote, and tribal areas, receive timely, coordinated, and effective care in the face of public health emergencies and disasters. The primary objective of the RPPN is to establish a system of care for pediatric disaster preparedness that is responsive to local and regional needs while also contributing to national preparedness goals. HRSA anticipates making two cooperative agreement awards that will each support a network of at least 10 children’s hospitals or affiliated pediatric programs. These awardees will be responsible for coordinating preparedness activities across their respective networks and engaging with community-based organizations, public health entities, and other stakeholders to ensure that planning efforts are inclusive and evidence-based. The network's infrastructure must support dissemination of pediatric disaster care guidance, promote training and readiness activities, and address gaps identified through research and field experience. Awardees will be expected to demonstrate expertise in pediatric emergency care and have established collaborations with relevant community and governmental organizations. Eligible applicants are limited to children’s hospitals as defined under section 340E of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act or their affiliated university pediatric partners. While the program does not require a cost-sharing or matching component, awardees must demonstrate the capacity to manage a cooperative agreement and coordinate among multiple participating institutions. HRSA has forecasted a total program funding level of $22.5 million for this opportunity, with a maximum award ceiling of $11.25 million per cooperative agreement. The submission process for the RPPN program will require electronic submission through Grants.gov. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on the estimated application due date of June 15, 2026. HRSA expects to post the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) by April 28, 2026, at which time full application guidance and requirements will be available. The anticipated award date is August 1, 2026, with a project start date of September 1, 2026. There are no pre-application requirements such as Letters of Intent or concept papers specified in the forecast. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on applicants’ capacity to serve as a regional hub, the strength and scope of proposed networks, the quality of community engagement strategies, and the ability to operationalize pediatric disaster preparedness protocols across a wide geographic and demographic range. Awardees must be prepared to track outcomes and disseminate findings and best practices at both regional and national levels. HRSA encourages applicants to engage partners serving vulnerable pediatric populations, including those in underserved areas. For further information regarding this forecasted opportunity, interested applicants may contact the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s Division of Child, Adolescent, and Family Health (MCHB DCAFH) at 301-443-2560. No specific individual or program inbox has been provided. As of this forecast (published March 17, 2026), the opportunity remains in an early engagement stage, with applications not yet being accepted. No recurring cycle is explicitly stated; thus, applicants should consider this a one-time funding opportunity unless future notices suggest otherwise.