As the Region 2 Center for Public Health Preparedness and Response (R2C), the NYC Preparedness & Recovery Institute (PRI) is focused on finding and scaling evidence-based practices for public health emergencies. Our goal is to make the response to pandemics, extreme weather events, and other threats better, faster, and more efficient.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Region 2 includes New York State, New York City, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These jurisdictions face a wide range of public health threats, from climate disasters to infectious disease outbreaks. With support from the CDC, PRI is leading the Region 2 Center for Public Health Preparedness and Response (R2C) to help communities respond more effectively and equitably. The aim is simple: identify what works, support those doing the work, and scale solutions that save lives.
Working With Public Health Leaders Across the Region
In 2025, PRI convened a Regional Coordinating Body (RCB) of 30 leaders across the region. This group includes public health departments, emergency managers, Tribal Nations, educators, hospitals, and grassroots organizations. Throughout a nine-month period that is currently underway, RCB members are identifying gaps, sharing lessons from the field, and shaping a shared regional vision. So far, the RCB has reviewed local and regional plans, held listening sessions in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and convened for a full-day, in-person planning session in June.
At the June convening, RCB members reached consensus on three urgent priorities for strengthening public health preparedness across Region 2. These areas reflect both immediate needs and long-term opportunities for impact:
- Expand surge staffing and credentialing: The region needs more flexible, trained personnel ready to respond. Developing credentialing pathways will help strengthen and grow the public health workforce.
- Invest in hyperlocal response capacity: Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COADs) and similar local groups are essential to effective response. These networks need resources to sustain and scale their impact.
- Support neighborhood-level readiness: Local teams must be able to plan, organize, and respond quickly in their own communities. This includes staffing, training, and ongoing support.
These priorities reflect what leaders across Region 2 are experiencing every day. They provide a clear, actionable foundation for the work ahead.
Looking Ahead
PRI is now translating this work into a five-year regional workplan. This includes pilot programs, training, and technical assistance, as well as a parallel plan co-developed with Rutgers University to support rural priorities in Region 2. Final RCB review is underway. We are grateful to every RCB member for helping shape the future of public health preparedness in Region 2. Their leadership is building a more responsive and resilient region.
To learn more or get involved, visit pri.nyc/r2c.