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

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

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

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

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

A Few Examples

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

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

Coordination with Area Hospitals Monthly Area Infection Preventionist Workgroup Includes Nurses From Calhoun County DeWitt 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 DeTar 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 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/PST045215/4875428,48469,00