Breakdown: Building Smarter Partnerships for Local Resilience Amid Federal Cuts

State and local governments face an uncertain future in public health preparedness following the leaked details of the 2026 HHS budget proposal, which outlines significant reductions and eliminations of key federal programs. Among the most impacted are the Health Care Operations and Response Element (H-CORE), the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), and the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP). These initiatives have long provided critical support for training medical volunteers, coordinating emergency responses, and maintaining healthcare system readiness. As federal support becomes increasingly unreliable, the imperative to build and expand partnerships with NGOs and private-sector entities has never been greater.

4/23/20252 min read

a man shaking hands with a shield shield

The Growing Need for Support

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have proven to be among the most cost-effective and reliable tools for enhancing public health and emergency preparedness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these collaborations enabled the rapid mobilization of medical volunteers, efficient vaccine distribution, expanded access to care, and strengthened supply chain continuity. These models demonstrated that public sector readiness can improve dramatically when private and nonprofit sectors are engaged in a structured, coordinated way. engaged.

Private companies and NGOs alike are eager to contribute to community resilience and response efforts. Many have dedicated teams and funding mechanisms ready to deploy in support of local needs—but they need structured entry points, coordination, and a clear understanding of jurisdictional priorities. With federal investments in preparedness infrastructure on the decline, PPPs are not just a supplement—they're essential.

If MRC funding is cut, jurisdictions will face serious challenges in mobilizing trained medical volunteers—individuals who have played vital roles during past public health emergencies. The elimination of H-CORE threatens centralized coordination of healthcare infrastructure, while reduced HPP funding could severely undermine hospital systems' preparedness and surge capacity. These changes signal an immediate need for alternative strategies to preserve and strengthen operational readiness.

How Health Response Alliance Can Help

Health Response Alliance (HRA) is uniquely positioned to support jurisdictions as they navigate this shifting landscape. With deep expertise and practical tools, HRA enables state and local governments to build resilience through scalable, targeted solutions:

Detailed Partnership Mapping: HRA identifies and catalogs local and regional NGOs and private-sector resources, providing jurisdictions with a comprehensive view of available support networks.
Strategic Relationship Building: We facilitate meaningful connections with healthcare providers, logistics partners, technology innovators, and other stakeholders to develop sustainable, effective partnerships.
Coordinated Communication and Infrastructure: HRA assists in the design and implementation of operational frameworks, including digital coordination platforms, to ensure smooth communication and integration across sectors during crises.
Customized Training and Exercises: Through scenario-based simulations and preparedness workshops, HRA ensures all partners—including trained volunteer networks—are equipped to collaborate effectively in real-world emergencies.

Related Analysis from HRA

To better understand the scope and implications of these proposed cuts, explore our recent blog series:

Take Action

The looming budget constraints are not just a challenge - they're a call to action. State and local governments must act now to build strong, cross-sector partnerships that can fill critical gaps and reinforce their readiness. Partnering with HRA helps bridge the gap left by federal disinvestment and lays the foundation for a more resilient, coordinated, and sustainable approach to public health preparedness.

Contact Health Response Alliance today to start a conversation about your jurisdiction’s specific needs. We’ll help you explore whether partnering on tailored solutions is the right path forward - no pressure, just partnership-focused dialogue designed to support your goals.