Friday, April 26, 2024
4/26/2024
A rapid increase of STD rates across HHS Region V (IN, IL, MI, MN, OH, and WI), and throughout the U.S., spotlight the critical role of the Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) and public health professionals serving on the front lines of disease transmission, intervention, and treatment. Standardized DIS training is essential to STD and HIV control efforts in Region V. The purpose of the HCET Region V DIS Training Center (RVDITC) is to strengthen the capacity of local and state health departments in MN, WI, MI, IL, IN, and OH to conduct STD/HIV intervention services. The intent is to transform DIS training by expanding training content consistent with the DIS JTA core competencies and enhancing knowledge to support the changing role of DIS and DIS Certification in Region V. HCET will play the regional role in establishing a consistent training standard for DIS training nationwide, building a compendium of coursework, assuring unfettered access, and ensuring flexibility to in updating training to reflect the needs of the DIS workforce. RVDITC Training will standardize DIS skill sets to facilitate across-jurisdictional response, achieve staff proficiency to implement effective DIS intervention, and contribute to the reduction of STD/HIV incidence in Region V. The HCET RVDITC Project will address the following outcomes for Track C. See full objectives in the Logic Model. Outcome 1 is increased CDC-approved trainings available in eLearning, in-person, or blended learning programs. To achieve Outcome 1 HCET will collect, analyze, and report on 1) Trainings: Number, course, type, and DIS training area (i.e. fundamental, specialized, supervisory), 2) Instructors: Number and basic information about the Track C instructors, including demographics, experience including current or recent DIS program experience, when and how they were trained, to provide the new and/or existing courses, and 3) TOT’s: Number of TOT trainings delivered by Track C including numbers of trainees and the number of trainings delivered with TOT trainees. Outcome 2 is increased knowledge and skills of DIS staff and supervisors. To achieve Outcome 2, HCET will collect, analyze, and report data on 1) Assessments: numbers and methods of needs assessments completed, including relevant dates, methods, data sources, collaborations involved to obtain data and outcomes and quantitative and qualitative description of training needs to inform training content and course type, and 2) Trainees: Number and basic information about the trainees, such as those who register, attend, and complete training, their job classification, job duties, area of program focus (e.g. STD, HIV, TB, etc.), training status (new or returning), location of local or state health department where they work and demographics such as gender, age, race/ethnicity, and length of time in their position and length of time working in public health, stratified course type, and DIS training area. Outcome 3 is increased capacity of health departments to conduct effective STD/HIV intervention tasks performed by DIS. To achieve Outcome 3, HCET will collect and report on metrics around the 1) DIS workforce capacity: The following measures among programs whose staff or supervisors are trained: percent with more DIS and supervisors completing DIS Training stratified by training area (i.e., fundamental, specialized, supervisory) and percent with DIS who are certification ready, and 2) Program performance: Among programs whose staff or supervisors are trained, percent that show an increase in key indicators related to STD/HIV disease investigation and intervention.
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).
