Hospital Preparedness- IL Medical Emergency Response Team

The Hospital Preparedness - IL Medical Emergency Response Team program is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), specifically through its Office of Preparedness and Response. This grant supports the Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team (IMERT), a deployable medical assistance team designed to enhance Illinois's public health and healthcare system’s disaster readiness and response. IMERT plays a crucial role in ensuring that trained personnel, equipment, and supplies are available to respond to medical emergencies and disasters statewide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Funded under federal authorization from Sections 319-C and 311 of the Public Health Service Act, the grant aims to build and sustain IMERT's operational capacity. The initiative also focuses on increasing public awareness through training and education, while fostering collaboration with other Illinois-based emergency preparedness agencies. These cooperative efforts are essential in maintaining an integrated emergency response infrastructure within the state. The grant supports various eligible costs that are necessary, allocable, and reasonable. Allowable uses include staff salaries, training, travel, and procurement of emergency medical supplies directly related to preparedness. Prior approval is required for costs such as equipment, furniture, and vehicle leasing. However, certain expenses are prohibited, such as purchasing vehicles, clothing, laboratory animals, housing, or conducting major renovations. Funding may not be used to supplant existing federal or state funds. Only Illinois-based nonprofit organizations that qualify as medical emergency response teams under the FEMA 508-8 Acute/Urgent Care Type 1 definition are eligible to apply. Applicants must complete registration through the Illinois GATA portal and be prequalified under state rules. Applications are submitted via IDPH's EGrAMS platform and do not require a letter of intent or pre-application. This is a formula grant. Applications will be reviewed for completeness and compliance, and may be conditionally approved pending additional information. The Department may deny awards due to eligibility issues or conflicts of interest. The application window opens before July and closes on August 15, 2025. The grant term runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Awards are typically processed within 15 to 30 days post-submission. A 10% non-federal match is required, which may be provided in cash or in-kind contributions, and must be appropriately documented and allocated. Grantees must maintain adequate records for audit purposes and comply with federal audit requirements. Quarterly narrative reports and reimbursement certifications are required for continued funding. With annual issuance and a history of awards since FY2018, the program is expected to recur with its next anticipated cycle in July 2026.

Ensure allocation of shared costs is documented; avoid applying for restricted items like vehicles, clothing, or construction; budget must reflect match; follow IDPH comment tracking via EGrAMS.