On October 15, SPECTRE hosted its 1st Annual HHS Region 6 In-Person Meeting which provided a shared space for attendees to discuss best practices and considerations related to special pathogen and high consequence infectious disease (HCID) planning. During the conference, attendees shared opinions, challenges, and considerations regarding individual state preparedness processes and how those state practices enhance preparedness efforts across the region. Approximately 35 subject matter experts from across the region were in attendance, representing fields of public health, emergency management, infection control, biosafety, epidemiology, and frontline workers, among other disciplines and specialties.
The goal of this conference was to bring together experts in special pathogen and HCID planning and preparedness to share ideas and to open dialogue on best practices. Presentations were given throughout the day, followed by questions and comments from attendees. Presentation topics included Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Marburg updates and initiatives, cyber security exercise overview & identification of vulnerabilities, updates on the status of the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS), overviews of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) biocontainment care unit (BCU) and the Galveston National Laboratory (GNL), and SPECTRE educational updates. State representatives were given the opportunity to update the participants on current preparedness activities they are conducting in their respective states, as well as any issues or challenges they may be facing. Following a full day of collaborative discussion, attendees were provided a tour of the UTMB BCU.
It is a goal of SPECTRE to look for opportunities to create space for collaboration amongst our regional partners while fostering these partnerships to create a robust network of planning partners. Looking forward to next year’s 2nd Annual HHS Region 6 In-Person Meeting!