Thursday, April 3, 2025
4/3/2025
Vermont's Tuberculosis Elimination and Laboratory Cooperative Agreement - Project Abstract Summary The Vermont Department of Health Tuberculosis Prevention Program (VTBPP) provides consultation and oversight for TB-related activities throughout Vermont. Core program activities undertaken by VTBPP include preparing and maintaining an overall plan and policy for TB control; maintaining a surveillance system; collecting and analyzing data; participating in program evaluation; prioritizing TB control efforts; ensuring access to recommended laboratory and radiology tests; identifying, managing, and treating contacts and other persons at high risk for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection; managing persons who have TB disease or who are being evaluated for TB disease; providing TB training and education; and collaborating in the coordination of patient care and other TB control activities. VTBPP is applying for funding under the Tuberculosis Elimination and Laboratory Cooperative Agreement CDC-RFA-PS-25-0003 to assist with implementing priority strategies for TB prevention and control with the overarching goal of preventing transmission of M. tuberculosis and preventing progression from latent TB infection (LTBI) to active TB disease. As recommended by the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis, priority strategies include: 1) identification of and completion of treatment for persons with active TB disease; 2) finding and screening persons who have had contact with TB patients; and 3) screening, testing, and treatment of persons and populations at high risk for LTBI and subsequent active TB disease. Funding will enhance existing state support of TB prevention and control activities and the ongoing development of knowledge and expertise (human resource development) through improved training, education, and information dissemination. Funding will also strengthen laboratory capacity and help ensure timely, reliable TB laboratory services are available to Vermont health care providers. Expected outcomes include decreases in TB incidence; increases in patients completing treatment within 12 months; increases in HIV and drug susceptibility testing in TB cases; increases in LTBI testing and treatment completion rates of those recommended for treatment; increases in accuracy and completeness of surveillance, genotyping, and whole-genome sequencing data; improvement in turnaround times for specimen receipt and laboratory testing; and implementation of TB elimination plans. Progress toward short-term, intermediate, and long-term outcomes will be measured through monitoring of the National TB Indicators Project (NTIP) performance targets. Tracking performance target indicators will allow VTBPP to prioritize activities, assess progress, and focus program improvement efforts.
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).