Regional Pediatric Prevention Network

The Regional Pediatric Prevention Network grant opportunity is a forecasted federal funding opportunity issued by the Health Resources and Services Administration under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is listed under Assistance Listing 93.110, Special Projects of Regional and National Significance, and is expected to be released formally on May 22, 2026. The opportunity is designed to strengthen pediatric emergency preparedness and disaster response systems across the United States through coordinated regional partnerships and evidence-informed pediatric care planning. HRSA intends to make two cooperative agreement awards under this opportunity, with an estimated total program funding amount of $22,500,000. The purpose of the Regional Pediatric Prevention Network program is to support coordinated pediatric preparedness infrastructure capable of improving emergency and disaster response outcomes for children. The funded networks are expected to strengthen local and regional capacity to care for children during disasters and emergencies by fostering partnerships among children’s hospitals, affiliated university pediatric programs, and community organizations. The notice specifically states that the network must include at least 10 children’s hospitals or affiliated university pediatric partners operating under two primary awards. Program activities are expected to address preparedness for children with special health care needs, behavioral health concerns, children living in poverty, and children in rural, remote, and tribal communities. The funding opportunity emphasizes dissemination of research-informed pediatric disaster care practices and coordinated pediatric emergency planning at the local, regional, and national levels. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their network structure will improve pediatric readiness, facilitate community partnerships, and strengthen emergency response coordination. Because the funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, HRSA is expected to maintain substantial involvement in program oversight and implementation activities throughout the project period. Although detailed allowable cost guidance has not yet been published in the forecast notice, the anticipated activities suggest funding may support network coordination, preparedness planning, training activities, dissemination of best practices, emergency readiness initiatives, and partnership development activities tied to pediatric disaster preparedness objectives. Eligibility is limited to children’s hospitals as defined under 42 U.S.C. Section 256e, also known as Section 340E of the Public Health Service Act, or affiliated university pediatric partners. Applicants must demonstrate eligibility consistent with the statutory definition referenced in the notice. The opportunity is categorized as unrestricted within the federal announcement framework, but the eligibility clarification narrows the eligible applicant pool substantially. Because the funding announcement specifically includes children’s hospitals and affiliated university pediatric partners, eligible entities are expected to include qualifying nonprofit hospitals, academic medical centers, and eligible institutions of higher education operating pediatric hospital partnerships. The notice does not identify any cost sharing or matching requirement, and the opportunity explicitly states that no matching requirement applies. The estimated application due date is June 22, 2026, and electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on that date. The forecast indicates an estimated award date of August 1, 2026, followed by an estimated project start date of September 1, 2026. The opportunity remains in forecast status at this stage, meaning the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity, application instructions, evaluation criteria, and required application components are expected to be released later. The current forecast does not mention any required letters of intent, concept papers, or pre-application submissions. Similarly, no question-and-answer deadlines, webinar requirements, or registration prerequisites beyond standard federal submission processes are currently identified. The opportunity appears to support a nationally focused pediatric preparedness initiative with broad geographic reach across the United States. The description repeatedly references local, regional, and national preparedness goals and specifically highlights service to children in rural, remote, and tribal areas, indicating a nationwide scope rather than a state-limited initiative. Applicants interested in the program should monitor Grants.gov and HRSA announcements for the formal release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity, where additional details regarding evaluation criteria, budget restrictions, performance periods, reporting expectations, and application forms will likely be published. Program contact information currently lists MCHB DCAFH with a phone number of 301-443-2560.

Emphasize coordinated pediatric preparedness capacity, community partnerships, and strategies addressing children with special health care needs, behavioral health concerns, rural populations, tribal communities, and children living in poverty.