High-Consequence Infectious Diseases at Mayo Clinic: A Collaborative Approach to Readiness

The interconnectedness between humans, animals, and the environment has led to increased emergence and spread of novel pathogens. The ability of health care organizations to identify, isolate, and inform on high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) through proactive, established preparedness and planning is of great public health importance. This article provides an inside look at the Mayo Clinic's HCID Expansion Project (2021-2024), recounting how administrative, financial, technological, and clinical resources were leveraged to expand HCID readiness from the main hub in Rochester, Minnesota, to tertiary hospitals throughout the Mayo Clinic Health System using a systems-based approach to biocontainment. By sharing lessons learned, this paper offers guidance and an adaptable framework for health care organizations to create and to maintain thorough, effective, and organized response strategies for future public health outbreaks.