Benefits of Local Epidemiologists A Local Epidemiologists Perspective

Benefits of Local Epidemiologists A Local Epidemiologist’s Perspective Kyle Mc. Cauley, MPH Epidemiologist Victoria County Public Health Department

Victoria County 2015 Victoria County Population – 92, 382 • 2015 City of Victoria Population – 67, 574 Health Department Includes • • • Animal Control Environmental Health HIV/AIDS Resource Program Public Health Nursing (HIV/STD Testing, Immunizations, TB) WIC Located in DSHS Public Health Region 8 • Until September 2015, Region 8 provided Epidemiology coverage for Victoria County

Local Vs. State Epidemiologist Local State Ø More Opportunities for Face to Face Communication Ø More Resources Available Ø Develop Better Relationships with Local Stakeholders Ø Able to Provide a “Local Perspective” Ø Better Equipped to Respond Over a Large Area Ø Able to Provide Consistent Service to a Larger Region

Improved Communication Put a Face to the Name Consult with Local Officials Resource for Local Media Dialogue With Reporting Providers Coordinate Stakeholder Meetings

Unique Resource to Guide Policy Gather Data Able to collect and review data based on policy maker’s questions and concerns Analyze Data Determine trends in outcomes and identify populations that need services Guide Initiatives Allow local officials to design policies and target interventions based on data specific to their jurisdiction

A Few Examples

Zika Preparedness in Victoria County Led the Development of the • Victoria County Environmental Health Services Victoria County Zika • City of Victoria Parks & Recreation Department Preparedness and Response • Public Health Emergency Preparedness Plan Texas Task Force on • Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller is a member Infectious Disease • Served as local expert on Zika for Judge Zeller Preparedness and Response Appeared on Local News on Various Occasions • Addressed misinformation circulating in the community • Clarified risks faced by community members

Coleto Creek Shigella Outbreak Investigations Started July 8, 2016 Shigella cases swam at Coleto Creek Reservoir 4 th of July Weekend 34 Cases Attributed to Outbreak 12 Confirmed Cases Coordinated with DSHS Region 8 Cases in Goliad County Coordinated with Local Hospitals Test Patients w/ GI Illness for Shigella 22 Probable Cases

Coordination with Area Hospitals Monthly Area Infection Preventionist Workgroup • Includes Nurses From • Calhoun County • De. Witt County • Jackson County • Victoria County • Attend to Give Epi Perspective on Issues • Region 8 Epidemiologist Also Attends Quarterly Infectious Disease Meeting • Status Update on Illnesses Seen in the Community • Hosted by Victoria County Public Health Department • Local ICPs • Health Department STD/HIV/TB Nurses • Health Department HIV/AIDS Resource Program

Don’t Just Take My Word For It…

“ It is very helpful to have a local person to confer with directly on issues as they develop in a timely manner - recently Vibrio. Bonnie Petty, BSN, RN, CIC Infection Preventionist Citizens Medical Center ”

“ For the first time local Infection Control/Preventionist nurses in Victoria have a valuable and trustworthy resource we can consult. He works collegially with us in mapping out a plan that will keep this community free from the spread of infectious disease. In the past, we consulted other Infection Preventionists as well as the County Health Department, but were either unable to get information that was germane to our population in Victoria or learned our County did not have the particular resource that we needed. Leslie Hanslik, BSN, RN Infection Prevention Director De. Tar Healthcare System ”

“ Kyle has brought a level of data surveillance expertise that this region hasn't seen in decades. His skill set is the cornerstone of our public health Department and his empirical data analysis shapes policy decisions and evidence-based practices - which is crucial to the success of all facets of public health. We are thankful for this funding. Derrick L. Neal M. P. A. Public Health Director Victoria County Public Health Department ”

“ Kyle is an incredible asset to Victoria County. By having an epidemiologist in our Health Department, we are able to provide a level of preparedness and service that we previously could not provide. This is especially valuable at a time when Zika and other health threats are rampant. Ben Zeller County Judge Victoria County ”

References US Census Website https: //www. census. gov/quickfacts/table/PST 045215/4875428, 48469, 00