Strengthening Health Security: The Case for an ASPR Foundation

The past few years have underscored the importance of a strong and resilient health security infrastructure. From pandemics to natural disasters, the ability of the U.S. healthcare system to respond rapidly and equitably to crises is paramount. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) plays a critical role in this ecosystem, coordinating federal health emergency responses and ensuring the availability of life-saving medical countermeasures. However, to truly enhance its reach and effectiveness, ASPR needs a dedicated ASPR Foundation—a nonprofit partner capable of mobilizing private-sector engagement, fostering innovation, and filling critical funding gaps.

Why an ASPR Foundation?

1. Enhancing Public-Private Collaboration

ASPR has long worked with the private sector to develop and deploy medical countermeasures, ensure supply chain resilience, and strengthen disaster preparedness. However, federal agencies face inherent limitations in how they can engage with private and philanthropic partners. A foundation model—similar to successful entities supporting the CDC (CDC Foundation) and NIH (Foundation for the NIH)—could unlock new opportunities for industry partnerships, rapid-response funding, and collaborative research that enhance ASPR’s mission.

2. Rapid, Flexible Funding Mechanisms

In the face of emergencies, speed is everything. Government funding processes, while essential for accountability, can be slow and bureaucratic. A foundation could establish agile funding streams, allowing for faster procurement of critical supplies, support for healthcare providers, and direct aid to affected communities. This flexibility is vital when addressing rapidly evolving threats like pandemics, climate-related disasters, or emerging bioterrorism risks.

3. Investing in Innovation and Readiness

ASPR’s mission is not just about response—it’s about preparedness. A foundation could support research, development, and pilot programs in areas such as:

• Next-generation medical countermeasures

• Supply chain resilience and domestic manufacturing

• Public health emergency workforce training

• Community-based disaster preparedness

By attracting private capital and philanthropic investment, an ASPR Foundation could accelerate innovation in these areas, ensuring that the nation remains at the forefront of health security advancements.

4. Strengthening Equity in Disaster Response

Crises disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, exacerbating health disparities. An ASPR Foundation could play a critical role in targeting resources to underserved populations, supporting local organizations, and ensuring equitable access to medical resources during emergencies. This approach would align with ASPR’s commitment to health equity while leveraging non-governmental resources to drive impact where it’s needed most.

5. Building Public Trust and Engagement

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the importance of clear, transparent communication in public health emergencies. A foundation could support public education campaigns, community engagement initiatives, and efforts to combat misinformation, ensuring that people have the information and resources they need to stay safe. Additionally, it could serve as a bridge between ASPR and the nonprofit sector, strengthening trust and coordination in crisis response efforts.

A Proven Model for Success

The idea of a foundation supporting a federal public health agency is not new. The CDC Foundation has been instrumental in mobilizing private-sector funding for emergency response efforts, while the Foundation for the NIH has facilitated groundbreaking biomedical research. An ASPR Foundation could similarly serve as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and rapid response in the health security space.

Now is the Time

The challenges facing U.S. health security are growing in complexity and scale. Climate-driven disasters, global pandemics, and emerging biosecurity threats require a whole-of-society approach—one that harnesses the power of government, industry, philanthropy, and local communities. An ASPR Foundation would provide the structure necessary to unlock new funding, accelerate innovation, and build a more resilient health system for the future.

It’s time to move beyond traditional models and embrace the potential of a dedicated foundation to ensure that ASPR—and the nation—is ready for whatever comes next.