UNM Hospital Awarded $500K Grant to Advance Special Pathogen Treatment

The funding will strengthen the hospital's ability to build more resilient and cohesive responses to high-consequence infectious diseases.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The University of New Mexico Hospital has been selected to receive a $500,000 Special Pathogen Treatment, Assessment, and Network Development (STAND) Award from the National Emerging Pathogens Training & Education Center (NETEC). The grant will enable UNM Hospital to expand its capabilities as a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center, helping to close a regional gap in the National Special Pathogen System.

Why it matters

As the state's only Level I trauma center and academic medical center, UNM Hospital plays a critical role in providing specialized care and leading statewide efforts to prepare for and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. This award will bolster the hospital's ability to deliver safe, coordinated and effective care during dangerous pathogen events.

The details

The STAND Award will provide resources for UNM Hospital to enhance staff training, acquire necessary equipment, and develop systems for delivering specialized care for high-consequence infectious diseases like Ebola, pneumonic plague and severe acute respiratory syndrome. Throughout the award period, NETEC will provide ongoing technical assistance, training and verification support to help UNM Hospital meet Level 2 SPTC standards.

  • UNM Hospital was selected as one of 54 health care facilities to receive the STAND Award in 2026.

The players

UNM Hospital

The state's only Level I trauma center, children's hospital and academic medical center, providing a full continuum of care from primary through quaternary services.

Kate Becker

The CEO of UNM Hospital.

National Emerging Pathogens Training & Education Center (NETEC)

The nation's leader in special pathogen preparedness and response education, established in 2015 and funded by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.

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What they’re saying

“This award is a huge step forward for UNM Hospital to continue its work in pathogen preparedness and it's an honor to be included in this network to continue to provide critical care, training and education for the people of New Mexico.”

— Kate Becker, UNM Hospital CEO (unm.edu)

What’s next

Throughout the award period, NETEC, in collaboration with the Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers, will provide ongoing technical assistance, training and verification support to help UNM Hospital meet Level 2 SPTC standards.

The takeaway

This grant award positions UNM Hospital as a key player in the National Special Pathogen System, strengthening its ability to deliver specialized care and lead statewide efforts to prepare for and respond to high-consequence infectious disease outbreaks that could impact vulnerable communities across New Mexico.