NEWS RELEASES
Legacy Good Samaritan selected for national STAND award to enhance preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks
Portland, Ore., Jan. 30, 2026 – Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center has been awarded a $500,000 Special Pathogen Treatment and Network Development (STAND) grant to enhance the hospital’s ability to care for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases.
Managed by the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) and Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) STAND is part of an effort to raise preparedness at Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Centers in the United States. Legacy Good Samaritan is one of 54 hospitals across 28 states and U.S. territories who received this award. These facilities are equipped to provide comprehensive inpatient care throughout the full course of illness for patients with High Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCID) such as Ebola virus disease or Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS CoV), while maintaining rigorous infection prevention and control standards.
This funding helps to enhance the capabilities of a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center, a key component of the National Special Pathogen Treatment System, which is a tiered framework that ensures safe, high-quality care across the U.S. during HCID outbreaks. The investment strengthens regional readiness at a time when emerging infectious diseases continue to pose a global public health risk.
“Legacy Good Samaritan is committed to patient safety and public health with this regional service,” said Melinda Muller, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer, Legacy Health. “We created this dedicated unit to provide comprehensive inpatient care throughout the course of a high-consequence infectious disease, such as Ebola or other emerging pathogens, while upholding rigorous infection-prevention and control standards that protect patients, staff and surrounding communities.” Legacy has an ongoing collaborative partnership with regional health systems, Providence Health & Services, Kaiser NW, PeaceHealth, and OHSU to sustain readiness.
About Legacy Health
Legacy Health is a large, nonprofit, integrated health system with seven hospital campuses serving Oregon and Southwest Washington, including a full-service children’s hospital and a behavioral health emergency services facility. Legacy also operates an extensive ambulatory services network that includes 70 clinic locations and offers a broad continuum of care. The organization is a $3 billion + community system of care with over 14,000 employees in two states. Known for its commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care, Legacy Health has earned a strong reputation for clinical excellence, community partnership, and mission-driven service in the Pacific Northwest. For more information, visit www.legacyhealth.org.
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Vicki Guinn |
