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Region 6 participants outside of Health Education Center

UTMB's SPECTRE Program Leads Regional HCID Frontline Training for HHS Region 6

Frontline participants posing for pictures during training

Healthcare professionals from across HHS Region 6 gathered at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) on March 24 for SPECTRE’s HCID Frontline Response Training, a full-day program designed to strengthen frontline readiness for high-consequence infectious diseases.

A total of 80 healthcare professionals representing hospitals, emergency response teams, and infection prevention programs participated in the training day. The event brought together regional partners for a day focused on strengthening collaboration, sharing expertise, and preparing healthcare teams to respond safely and effectively to suspected HCID cases.

Throughout the morning, participants explored key response considerations including early recognition and risk identification, patient care planning, laboratory coordination, waste management, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). These sessions emphasized the importance of coordinated decision-making and clear communication when responding to a potential special pathogen event.

The afternoon shifted from discussion to hands-on practice, as participants worked through PPE donning and doffing procedures designed to reinforce safe practices and build confidence in real-world response situations.
“This type of training is incredibly valuable because it allows us to think through complex scenarios and practice procedures in a safe environment,” said one participant.

Events like the March training highlight the growing reach of the SPECTRE program while reinforcing UTMB’s role as a regional leader in special pathogen preparedness and training. By convening healthcare professionals from Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico, SPECTRE continues to strengthen collaboration and readiness across healthcare systems throughout HHS Region 6.

Next Training Opportunity
The next HCID Frontline Response Training will be held on October 16, 2026.
Interested in attending? Add your name to our interest list to receive updates about the upcoming training. Those on the list will be the first to receive the official registration link and event details when registration open

Interest Form