Milton S. Hershey Medical Center strengthens readiness to care for patients with rare, high risk infectious diseases
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Hershey, Pa.
Backed by a recent $500,000 federal grant, Penn State Health’s Milton S. Hershey Medical Center will strengthen its role as a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center, enhancing its ability to care for patients with rare, high-risk infectious diseases. Since 2015, the medical center has been part of a nationwide system designed to provide safe, high-quality care during infectious disease outbreaks such as Ebola and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome while protecting health care workers and communities.
“This funding allows us to continue strengthening the systems, training and infrastructure needed to respond quickly and safely if a patient with a high‑consequence infectious disease needs care,” said Dr. Catharine I. Paules, medical lead for the hospital’s Special Pathogen Treatment Center.
The grant will fund advanced staff training, specialized equipment, and improved systems for managing complex cases. Additionally, the medical center will collaborate with public health agencies, emergency services, and regional partners to expand access to specialized care and strengthen readiness across the region, aiming to ensure rapid and effective responses to infectious disease emergencies, while safeguarding patients, staff, and the broader community.