Senior Federal Officials Make Important Visit to MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s Biocontainment Unit

Visit highlights how the hospital responds to infectious disease threats and other emergencies.

WASHINGTON – MedStar Washington Hospital Center recently welcomed top leaders from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the federal agency responsible for the nation’s preparedness and response to public health emergencies and disasters.

ASPR is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Fifteen federal leaders, including Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary John Knox, toured the hospital. They learned how the hospital responds to high-risk infectious diseases and other emergencies.

MedStar Washington is one of 13 HHS-designated Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers in the U.S.

As part of this role, the hospital operates a 6,800 square foot Biocontainment Unit (BCU).

The 15-bed unit is staffed and ready to care for patients with confirmed high-consequence infectious diseases, like Ebola.

Shane Kappler, MD, is the medical director of the BCU.

“We take our role very seriously. Our teams train all year, so we can act fast when there is a threat to our community’s health and safety. Strong partnerships with our federal partners and ASPR help us stay ready for any emergency.”

During the tour, the teams showed how they prepare for and respond to emergencies. They discussed patient care, safety measures, and how they strengthen readiness over time.

Craig DeAtley, PA-C, is the hospital’s emergency preparedness director.

“As a Level I Trauma Center and the region’s only Burn Center, we stay ready 24/7. We are grateful for the strong support from our federal partners."

The BCU also serves as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 3 referral center. It works with Children’s National Hospital and Johns Hopkins to care for children and adults.