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

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. A Few Examples

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Don’t Just Take My Word For It…

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. References
US Census Website