Special Pathogen Preparedness: A Guide to the NETEC VHF Checklist

In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan sits down with Angie Vasa—one of NETEC’s seasoned experts in special pathogens preparedness. Together, they take a deep dive into the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) Preparedness Checklist: a practical, accessible tool designed to help any healthcare facility—from small rural clinics to large urban hospitals—prepare for the challenges of identifying and caring for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases. Angie unpacks what sets special pathogens apart, walks through the checklist’s design, and explains how it’s tailored for frontline healthcare workers who need clear, actionable steps—even if they’re not disaster response experts. She and Jill explore how the tool aligns with Joint Commission standards, who should complete it, and what to do if gaps in preparedness are identified. You’ll gain practical insights into early identification, isolation, PPE, communication strategies, and more. Whether you’re an infection preventionist, emergency nurse, hospital administrator, or anyone involved in preparedness, this episode offers valuable tips to help you get ready for the “what if” moment—because ready or not, patients will come. Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at [email protected]. Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast. Host Jill Morgan, RN Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Guest Angie Vasa, MSN, RN Angie Vasa is the Director of Biopreparedness and Special Pathogen Programs at Nebraska Medicine. She serves as the Director of Consulting Services and Metrics Development at NETEC and is the Program Director for the Region 7 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center. Resources Disaster Available Supplies in Hospitals (DASH) Tool:https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/dash-tool NETEC VHF Checklist:https://netec.org/vhfchecklist Request the Readiness Assessment for Hospitals:https://netec.org/readiness-assessments/hospital-assessment-areas/hospital-readiness-assessment-sign-up/ Need assistance? Ask NETEC:https://netec.org/consulting-services/ask-our-experts/ NETEC:https://netec.org/ NETEC Resource Library:https://repository.netecweb.org Transmission Interrupted:https://netec.org/podcast/ About NETEC A Partnership for Preparedness The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources. Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems. For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org. NETEC Consultation Services Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting. NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert. For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.