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Multistate Outbreak of Meningitis
CDC continues to monitor the multistate outbreak of meningitis and stroke associated with potentially contaminated steroid medication. Stay informed by visiting CDC's Health Alert Network webpage. On the FDA Voice blog, Dr. Margaret Hamburg discusses why state and local partnerships are crucial during a multi-state outbreak of illness.
NACCHO has developed two documents that summarize over 30 LHDs' experiences with the multistate fungal meningitis outbreak. The first summary is intended for media, policy- and decision-makers, national partners, and other stakeholders. It provides talking points in response to inquiries from this target audience. The second summary, intended for LHD staff, gives more in-depth information about what LHDs are experiencing.
If your LHD has conducted any activities related to the outbreak, please e-mail infectiousdiseases@naccho.org. NACCHO will de-identify responses and continue to compile incoming information. NACCHO will also update these documents as needed.
Clinician Telephone Consultation for Fungal Meningitis Cases
CDC established the Clinicians Consultation Network (CCN) to support clinicians in treating patients associated with the multistate fungal meningitis outbreak. The CCN is a free, telephone-based service of experts in fungal disease treatment and management. To access the service, physicians should call 1-800-CDC-INFO and then select the appropriate prompts. A CDC-INFO call agent will verify each physician's role in direct patient management before directing him or her to the CCN. Call operating hours are 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM EDT, Monday through Friday, except for federal holidays.
Webinar: Learn How to Keep You, Your Baby & Family Healthy This Flu Season
Families Fighting Flu (FFF) invites you to join a free educational webinar, November 29, 2012 from 12 PM to 1 PM, to learn about protection from the flu for pregnant women, new moms, including those who are breastfeeding, and young children. Dr. Kevin Ault, professor, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory University School of Medicine will be discussing what moms and moms-to-be should know and do to keep themselves and their families healthy during flu season. You must register in advance to participate.
CDC's NetConference on Vaccine Storage and Handling
CDC will present a Current Issues in Immunization NetConference on November 29 from noon to 1 PM, ET. Dr. Chesley Richards, MD, MPH, FACP, director, Immunization Services Division, NCIRD, will speak on the impact and importance of proper vaccine storage and handling. Patricia Beckenhaupt, RN, MS, MPH, public health analyst, will discuss updated vaccine storage recommendations. JoEllen Wolicki, RN, BSN, nurse educator, will address storage and handling best practices and resources for providers. Registration, which is required, will close on November 28 or when the course is full.
Control of Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Course
CDC and Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health will sponsor an environmental microbiology course, Control of Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases, in Atlanta, Georgia (January 7-12, 2013). This six-day course on the surveillance of foodborne and waterborne diseases is designed for public health practitioners and other students interested in the safety of food and water.
Johns Hopkins' Infectious Disease Virtual Education Congress
Game Changers in Infectious Disease: A Focus on Important Changes in the ID Field is a free, online training that includes Continuing Medical Education (CME) units. Live streaming video will be available on November 29 and 30, 2012, at IDCareLive. Choose from nine 1-hour interactive CME sessions on topics such as novel treatment strategies, emerging infections, multi-resistant pathogens, immunocompromised host and opportunistic infections, vaccine research, antiretroviral therapies in HIV, and emerging therapies in hepatitis C.
Your Feedback on CIFOR Resources is Needed
The RAND Corporation is conducting an external evaluation of the Council to Improve Foodborne Outbreak Response (CIFOR) Guidelines for Foodborne Disease Outbreak Response & Toolkit. As part of the evaluation, NACCHO is surveying state and local public health professionals involved in foodborne disease outbreak activities. Please participate in this brief survey to help the RAND Coportation understand the use and impact of the CIFOR Guidelines and Toolkit. The survey only takes approximately 15 minutes.
Search for LHDs Engaged with Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
Is your LHD involved with the ACO initiative? Has your LHD developed a role within your area's ACO? Dr. Paul Etkind, Director of Infectious Diseases at NACCHO, is working with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials to identify LHDs that are working to integrate public health with clinical care. Please e-mail petkind@naccho.org with your contact information if this applies to your LHD.
2013 NACCHO Annual: Call for Sharing Session Proposals
Submit your session proposal today for an opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with peers at 2013's largest gathering of local health officials in the United States! For questions or additional information, contact the NACCHO annual speaker coordinator at nacchospeakers@conferencemanagers.com or 703-964-1240, ext.11.
Open Staff Positions at NACCHO
NACCHO is currently hiring for multiple positions in emergency preparedness, chronic diseases, and infectious diseases. For more information, please visit the NACCHO Career Network.
Submit a Tool to NACCHO's Immunization and Infectious Disease Toolkits
NACCHO's Immunization and Infectious Disease Toolkits are intended to provide LHDs with resources related to immunization and infectious disease prevention and control practices. Examples of tools include templates, guides, community resources and much more. Log in to submit your own resources to the Toolkit to share with other LHDs.
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