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SPECTRE Delivers Frontline Training in Harlingen and Weslaco, Texas

UTMB’s SPECTRE program recently traveled to South Texas to deliver Frontline Training at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen and Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco. A total of 40 healthcare professionals participated in the sessions, strengthening their preparedness to identify and respond to patients suspected of having high-consequence infectious diseases.

The Frontline Training series is designed for healthcare teams who may encounter these patients early in the course of care. The sessions combine focused didactic content with hands-on practice and scenario-based discussion. Participants reviewed core principles of personal protective equipment (PPE), infection prevention strategies, and early response coordination within their facility. Emphasis was placed on practical decision-making, communication, and applying protocols in real-world clinical environments.

These on-site trainings are a key component of SPECTRE’s regional outreach efforts. As the federally designated Regional Emerging Special Pathogens Treatment Center (RESPTC) for HHS Region 6, UTMB supports healthcare facilities across Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico through education, training, and coordination initiatives. Traveling directly to partner institutions allows the SPECTRE team to tailor discussions to each facility’s environment, workflows, and existing procedures.

We are grateful to the leadership and staff at Valley Baptist Medical Center and Knapp Medical Center for their engagement and commitment to strengthening preparedness across their teams.

Facilities interested in hosting a Frontline Training session can contact the SPECTRE program to learn more about upcoming opportunities.