Hospital Preparedness-Pediatric Preparedness

The Hospital Preparedness - Pediatric Preparedness grant is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), through its Office of Preparedness and Response. This non-competitive funding opportunity supports pediatric emergency preparedness efforts across the state, in collaboration with the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program. The grant's overarching goal is to reduce childhood and adolescent death and disability caused by illness or injury by improving the readiness and capabilities of healthcare providers and systems. Funded under Sections 319-C and 311 of the Public Health Service Act, the program offers financial support to Illinois hospitals designated as Regional Hospital Coordinating Centers (RHCCs). These institutions collaborate with the state’s ten healthcare coalitions, which include hospitals, EMS, public health agencies, and emergency management. The grantee’s responsibilities include training, resource development, planning, and ensuring compliance with national pediatric preparedness guidelines. Eligible applicants are limited to Illinois-licensed hospitals holding RHCC status. All applicants must be registered and prequalified through the Illinois GATA portal. This includes verification of legal standing, SAM.gov and UEI registration, acceptable financial condition, and clearance from exclusion lists. Applications are submitted via IDPH’s EGrAMS portal and must be complete by the specified deadline. No letters of intent or pre-applications are required. This grant program is structured as a formula grant. Applications are reviewed upon submission for accuracy and completeness. Those approved with conditions must be revised and resubmitted within a defined time frame. Final approvals are followed by a digital notification with instructions to complete the Uniform Grant Agreement for official execution. Funding decisions are typically made within 15 to 30 days of submission. Grant funds may only be used for activities necessary, reasonable, and allocable to the goals of pediatric preparedness. This includes training, planning, staff time, and program-specific costs. Prior approval is required for certain items such as equipment and vehicle leases. A 10% non-federal match is required and may be met through cash or in-kind contributions. Ineligible costs include construction, general-use furniture, non-pediatric equipment, and clothing. Grantees must also comply with federal and state audit requirements and maintain all relevant records for a minimum of three years. The grant period is July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Based on consistent prior-year funding from FY2018 through FY2026, the program is expected to recur. The next anticipated funding cycle is projected to open in July 2026.

Ensure only RHCCs apply; document pediatric-specific training and compliance with national standards; match allocation must be clearly justified.