Taking a Regional Approach to Statewide Preparedness and Response

May 09, 2016 | Sara Chang

Emerging and evolving threats like Ebola and Zika continue to demonstrate how infectious disease transcends jurisdictional boundaries, organizational silos, and job descriptions. In response to this reality, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is joining a diverse group of stakeholders across the state to enhance preparedness for high-consequence infectious diseases. From McAllen to El Paso, the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Section of DSHS is offering regional workshops to deliver in-depth information, review strategies, assess levels of preparedness and response, and identify gaps and challenges related to community readiness. Each three-day workshop features experts from DSHS; academic institutions; federal agencies; city and county health departments; hospitals; and fire, emergency medical services, and emergency management.

TX Preparedness WorkshopsLaunched in December 2015 and ending in June 2016, the workshop series draws on local participation to further increase the knowledge of public health and medical responders in each region. Presentations provide an in-depth analysis of previous regional and state preparedness and response efforts for high-consequence infectious diseases, or diseases that spread or have the potential to spread rapidly through a population. Providing a forum for professionals across the preparedness and response spectrum is not only a vehicle for workforce development, but also a vital opportunity to connect individuals and organizations who may not otherwise meet on a daily basis. Developing these relationships will help ensure effective and efficient communication and coordination during an emergency.

Wendy Chung, Chief Epidemiologist for Dallas County Health and Human Services, spoke about the health department’s own experiences with high-consequence infectious diseases. As the lead epidemiologist in the response to the Dallas Ebola incident, she highlighted that increasing outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases are the “new normal” for which communities should anticipate and prepare. This reflection, and a need for better multi-disciplinary, “systems solution” response approaches, is the impetus for DSHS and its partners to foster a culture of constant readiness for high-consequence infectious disease crises.

Anil Mangla, Assistant Director and Chief Epidemiologist of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, emphasized the crucial role of local health authorities in high-consequence infectious diseases. Through identifying, testing, responding to, and monitoring infectious diseases, local health departments serve as the frontline responders to protect people in their communities from outbreaks and other emergencies. For example, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District is coordinating the testing and follow up of cases of possible Zika infection. They are also providing updates and the latest information for prevention and protection against the virus for the local communities.

In conjunction with local health departments’ everyday efforts, collaborative and proactive approaches like the Texas regional workshops are essential to preparing for, responding to, containing, and recovering from threats posed by high consequence infectious diseases. Whether manmade or of Mother Nature, emergencies and disasters will continue to challenge the public health system’s ability to prepare and respond. Strengthening the infrastructure and the workforce that support this system will be necessary to mobilize for the next high-consequence infectious disease.

Learn more about DSHS’ High Consequence Infectious Disease Response workshops and read how NACCHO is supporting local health departments’ work in preventing and controlling infectious diseases in their communities.


About Sara Chang

More posts by Sara Chang

Related Posts

Ps24 posters d3 web

Day Three Highlights: 2024 Preparedness Summit

See highlights from day three of the 2024 Preparedness Summit.

Mar 27, 2024

Day Three Highlights: 2024 Preparedness Summit

D2 highlights web

Day Two Highlights: 2024 Preparedness Summit

See highlights from day two of the 2024 Preparedness Summit.

Mar 26, 2024

Day Two Highlights: 2024 Preparedness Summit

I Stock 1182682774
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
  • Behavioral Health
  • Community Health
  • Injury and Violence Prevention

Seeking LHD Participants for an Intersectional Data...

With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NACCHO is...

Mar 26, 2024 | Camille Adams

Seeking LHD Participants for an Intersectional Data...

PS24 1

Day One Highlights: 2024 Preparedness Summit

See highlights from day one of the 2024 Preparedness Summit.

Mar 25, 2024

Day One Highlights: 2024 Preparedness Summit

PS24 web
  • Tools & Resources
  • Training

Welcome to the 2024 Preparedness Summit!

Welcome to the 2024 Preparedness Summit.

Mar 25, 2024 | Beth Hess

Welcome to the 2024 Preparedness Summit!

Stakeholder Conference Call on the FDA Integrated Food...

You’re invited to join the call on April 2 to hear more.

Mar 25, 2024

Stakeholder Conference Call on the FDA Integrated Food...

Cover and Spine for MAPP 2 0 Handbook Copy Page 1
  • Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP)
  • Performance Improvement
  • Workforce Development

Register to Attend a Mobilizing for Action through...

Registration is now open for NACCHO’s in-person Mobilizing for Action through...

Mar 23, 2024 | Andrea Grenadier

Register to Attend a Mobilizing for Action through...

Capitol bulding

Congress Releases Labor-HHS Bill in Final FY2024 Package

Early on March 21st, Congress released the final minibus package for Fiscal...

Mar 22, 2024 | Victoria Van de Vate

Congress Releases Labor-HHS Bill in Final FY2024 Package

Website New Episode w Special Guests
  • Press Release

National Association of County and City Health...

Local Public Health on the Hill Recap and Local Health Department Addresses the...

Mar 22, 2024

National Association of County and City Health...

Back to Top