Training and Resources

State-based training

CDC provides disaster epidemiology training to state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) public health and emergency response staff by request.

The purpose of the training is to:

• Increase emergency response capacity
• Improve disaster epidemiology skills
• Share lessons learned

If you are a STLT health department and would like to be considered for training, please contact CASPER@cdc.gov.

You may also download a Disaster Epidemiology Training Request form.

Online e-Learning

The goal of the CASPER e-Learning is to supplement the CASPER toolkit. The e-Learning provides an overview of the CASPER methodology, its uses, and the local capabilities required to conduct a CASPER.

Whether this is the first time you are exposed to CASPER or you are a seasoned veteran looking for a refresher, we hope you find this eLearning useful.

One pagers and fact sheets

• Helpful tips for a successful CASPER: A quick refresher of key CASPER elements and steps; intended to supplement the CASPER toolkit.
• CDC one page fact sheet on CASPER
• Flint water crisis CASPER
• Deepwater Horizon CASPER
• CASPER interview tips Provides a general guideline for making the interview successful.

YouTube videos

Training and field assistance

• Introduction to systematic random sampling in the field. Developed by the California Department of Health, a short introduction to selecting households to interview.
• Just-in-time training video. Developed by Harris County, Texas, a short video on Just-in-time training.
• Using Incident Command System (ICS) for CASPER implementation: Introduction. Developed by the California Department of Health, a short introduction to ICS.
• Using Incident Command System for CASPER implementation: Case Study. Developed by the California Department of Health, a case study for using ICE during CASPER.

Past CASPERs

• CDC Response to hurricanes (YouTube video). Short video on the use and benefit of CASPER using the 2017 Hurricane response in the U.S. Virgin Islands as an example.
• Fort Bend County CASPER: Reviews a CASPER conducted to evaluate "How Prepared" jurisdictions are and close any gaps in community preparedness through education and training.
• Hurricane Harvey CASPER assessment: Series of short videos prepared by Harris County reviews the CASPER conducted in the southeast portion of Harris County Texas after Hurricane Harvey, 2017.
• Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services (HCPHES) CASPER assessment – March 2015: Reviews a preparedness CASPER conducted in Harris County, Texas.
• Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services (HCPHES) CASPER assessment – January 2016: Reviews a preparedness CASPER conducted in Pasadena in January 2016.
• Public health emergency response at the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo: Shows how workers representing various agencies worked to collect CASPER data.