Formerly the Pediatric Pandemic Network Visit pedspandemicnetwork.org →
Same vision · New look

The Pediatric Pandemic Network is now the Pediatric Prevention Network.

A five-year HRSA grant providing $22.5 million annually expands our work beyond pandemic preparedness — strengthening pediatric response in every community, including rural, remote, and tribal areas.

Same vision
High-quality care for all children and families.
10 local centers
Children's hospitals, plus regional centers and experts.
New emphasis
Families and youth, behavioral health, special health care needs.
For immediate release September 14, 2026

Pediatric Pandemic Network Announces $22.5 Million Annually in Continued HRSA Funding and Transition to Pediatric Prevention Network

The organization previously known as the Pediatric Pandemic Network announces it has been awarded $22.5 million annually of continued funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to continue operations as the Pediatric Prevention Network.

This continued investment will allow the network to expand its focus beyond pandemic preparedness to strengthen pediatric response capabilities, including rural, remote, and tribal areas. Specific initiatives will include direct engagement with families and youth, mental and behavioral health support, as well as emphasis on children and youth with special health care needs.

"We are honored to have been chosen to continue the important work of PPN. This continuation of funding will allow children's hospitals to lead the way in providing high-quality pediatric care to kids, no matter the circumstances. We're looking forward to a renewed focus on engaging communities, particularly those in rural areas, to ensure excellent access to care for kids across the country."

Joelle Simpson, MD, MPH, FAAP · Co-Lead Principal Investigator for PPN; Division Chief, Emergency Medicine and Medical Director, Emergency Preparedness at Children's National

Over the last five years, the Pediatric Pandemic Network has worked to leverage the resources and expertise of children's hospitals in collaboration with national partners to empower all healthcare systems and their communities to be prepared to provide high-quality pediatric care in everyday emergencies, disasters, and global health threats.

The Pediatric Prevention Network will operate from 10 children's hospitals as local centers, along with affiliate and associate regional centers and nationally recognized subject matter experts.

The collective purpose of the Pediatric Prevention Network is to strengthen the pediatric disaster preparedness of every children's hospital, elevate pediatric healthcare capability everywhere to be better equipped for any crisis that could impact children, establish well integrated and resilient local-regional systems that leverage collaborations and community engagement, and foster workforce development in the field of pediatric emergency management that is rooted in data and quality improvement.

The vision of the Pediatric Prevention Network is for all children and families to receive high-quality care in everyday emergencies, disasters, and global health threats.

Learn more about the mission and vision of the Pediatric Prevention Network at PedsPreventionNetwork.org.

###