Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Cooperative Agreement Program
Funding Initiated In 2000

FY05 Funding April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006 - $777,453

Activities Proposed for FY 05

Antimicrobial Resistance, Food Safety, Hepatitis Prevention and Control, Influenza Surveillance and Response, National Electronic Disease Surveillance System, and West Nile Virus

Key Performance Indicators

Antimicrobial Resistance

• In 4 participating businesses, 66 percent of employees will be able to effectively respond to survey questions pertaining to awareness of the "Get Smart Campaign" for improving antimicrobial use.
• The CDC "Get Smart" Television PSA has been accepted for airplay in 4 major metropolitan markets in NC.
• BCBS participation for the year 2005 respiratory season includes mailing of CDC Get Smart Campaign Brochure to all member families selected by their previous year's access to medical care.
• CASE and CDC information is included in annual health fair sponsored by BCBS.

Food Safety

• 75 percent of all foodborne outbreaks are reported on EFORS within two months of occurrence.
• Foodborne Disease Nurse Epidemiologist participates in at least bimonthly collaboration and coordination meetings with neighboring states.
• The Foodborne Disease Nurse Epidemiologist provides four local, regional, or statewide training sessions.
• Course evaluations show favorable response by attendees.

Hepatitis Prevention and Control

• By the end of 2005-2006 grant cycle, 5,000 or more packets will have been distributed.
• Creation and distribution of a hepatitis services resource directory by the end of the 2005-2006 grant cycle.
• By the end of March, 2006, 95 percent of local health department STD clinics will offer Twinrix vaccinations to identified high risk clients.
• By June, 2005, funds will be identified and earmarked for a statewide HCV conference.
• By the end of June, 2005, the task force will have a full complement of active members and will meet at regularly scheduled quarterly meetings.

Influenza Surveillance and Response

• Increase the number of sentinel participants submitting specimens to the laboratory.
• Provide feedback on a weekly basis to all sentinel physician sites of laboratory activity during the peak of the season (October 1 – April 30).
• Timely press release educational messages targeted to the public on strategies for risk reduction or disease prevention.
• Continue to develop and adapt real time RT-PCR capabilities for influenza testing of clinical specimens.

National Electronic Disease Surveillance System

• Hold monthly meetings of the NEDSS/HAN Local User Workgroup when the future vendor begins designing NC NEDSS.
• Ensure GCDC epidemiologists collectively test all disease reporting functions.

West Nile Virus

• The state will produce web-based maps and data sets that accurately report all arboviral surveillance data within one week of its capture.

Contact Information and Links

Jeffrey P. Engel, MD
State Epidemiologist
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Public Health & Epidemiology Section
225 N. McDowell Street
1902 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1902

North Carolina Public Health: http://www.ncpublichealth.com/