Thursday, April 3, 2025
4/3/2025
Rhode Island Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity - Rhode Island has a single, state health department, with no county or local health departments. As a result, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) conducts all routine surveillance and analyses of infectious diseases in Rhode Island, in addition to responding to outbreaks and emerging situations. Within RIDOH, the Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology (CAIDE) conducts surveillance of all infectious diseases, excluding tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections which are conducted by another center. Surveillance and response are supported by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratory (RISHL). Without funding from the ELC Cross-cutting Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity, Rhode Island would not be able to perform the core functions of infectious disease surveillance and response, putting the public at risk. This funding fully supports the ELC Program Manager, as well as flexible epidemiologist and laboratory staff. This funding allows Rhode Island to address core public health needs, as well as respond to emerging situations. In the past several years, this cross-cutting funding was used to respond to Ebola (i.e., monitoring of travelers returning to Rhode Island from countries with active transmission) and Zika. Without this funding, Rhode Island could not have implemented the surveillance program and traveler monitoring programs that were recommended by CDC. The COVID-19 pandemic taught many lessons including the importance of cross-cutting relationships and communication with the public. Previous funding from the ELC Section A: Cross-Cutting Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity has allowed Rhode Island to reflect on current practices, collaborate with other jurisdictions, and implement and adjust protocols and trainings to ensure a well-prepared workforce. This funding fully supports the ELC Program Manager, as well as flexible funding for epidemiologists and laboratory staff. As we continue to adjust to post-pandemic public health, RIDOH continues to address existing, emerging, and re-emerging infectious disease threats. Public response during the COVID-19 pandemic also demonstrated the need for clear, comprehensive, and transparent communication. Continued training is necessary for public health to continue meeting the needs of the public.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).