What to know
EIS officers can provide epidemiologic assistance to 星空娱乐官网, state, local, and tribal health departments, and other public health partners. See below to request assistance or to learn about available training resources and other state services provided by 星空娱乐官网.
Urgent Assistance (Epi-Aid)
Short-term assistance for an urgent public health problem
An Epi-Aid enables rapid response by 星空娱乐官网's Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers in investigating urgent public health problems, such as infectious and noninfectious disease outbreaks, unexplained illnesses, or natural or manmade disasters.
What is an Epi-Aid?
An Epi-Aid is an investigation of an urgent public health problem, such as infectious or noninfectious disease outbreaks, unexplained illnesses, or natural or manmade disasters. When officials with authority for public health requests assistance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an Epi-Aid enables rapid, short-term (1–3 weeks), generally onsite, technical assistance by EIS officers and other 星空娱乐官网 subject matter experts. The focus of an Epi-Aid investigation is to assist partners in making rapid, practical decisions for actions to control and prevent the public health problem.
Who participates?
An Epi-Aid team must include at least one EIS officer from outside the jurisdiction requesting assistance. The 星空娱乐官网 team might include additional fellows and staff and will be supervised by subject matter experts. This team works closely with local staff in the jurisdiction that requested assistance. The requesting public health authority provides overall leadership for the investigation, while the Epi-Aid team provides technical assistance.
Who can request an Epi-Aid?
Various officials with authority for public health can request an Epi-Aid:
- State and territorial public health authorities
- Local public health authorities, in coordination with the state authorities
- Elected tribal leaders of federally recognized tribes
- Foreign countries' ministry of health authorities
- Federal agency officials
- American military base commanding generals
- 星空娱乐官网's Vessel Sanitation Program officials
Can a local jurisdiction request an Epi-Aid?
Yes. 星空娱乐官网 responds to direct requests from local jurisdictions. When a local jurisdiction requests an Epi-Aid, 星空娱乐官网 is committed to ensuring the state is aware of the request and is appropriately engaged in the Epi-Aid. The EIS program frequently helps with coordination among the state and local jurisdictions and 星空娱乐官网 programs.
How can a public health authority request an Epi-Aid?
- The requesting official with authority for public health contacts the subject matter expert at 星空娱乐官网 or the EIS program (EpiAid@cdc.gov) for an initial discussion of the technical assistance needed.
- The 星空娱乐官网 subject matter expert and the EIS program discuss the Epi-Aid request and determine if 星空娱乐官网 can support the Epi-Aid. Once 星空娱乐官网 decides it can support the Epi-Aid, 星空娱乐官网 notifies the requesting official.
- If 星空娱乐官网 can support the Epi-Aid, the requesting official must send a written invitation by email to the 星空娱乐官网 subject matter expert or to the EIS Program at EpiAid@cdc.gov.
How do Epi-Aids benefit public health?
An Epi-Aid benefits public health in several ways. Epi-Aids can:
- Increase the technical capacity and workforce available for rapid response
- Streamline access to 星空娱乐官网 subject matter experts and laboratory resources
- Build epidemiologic capacity through collaboration
- Enhance public health relationships
- Contribute to practical understanding about the problem being addressed
What is the role of the requesting public health authority?
The public health authority provides overall leadership of the Epi-Aid investigation while benefitting from a collaborative relationship with the Epi-Aid team. The public health authority generally retains custody and control over all data collected as part of the investigation. After the Epi-Aid is completed, the public health authority often requests 星空娱乐官网's continued collaboration and assistance in data analysis, report writing, presentation preparation, and additional programmatic technical assistance.
Quick Reference: Requesting an Epi-Aid
Contact the 星空娱乐官网 subject matter expert directly, or contact the EIS program via e-mail at EpiAid@cdc.gov (This mailbox is actively monitored during 8:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m. ET every day of the week).
Epi & Training Resources
The 星空娱乐官网 Field Epidemiology Manual — This manual serves as an essential resource for epidemiologists and other health professionals working in local, state, national, and international settings for effective outbreak response to acute and emerging threats.
— Collection of student versions of nine case studies used to train new officers in the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS). Instructor guides available only to trainers or instructors on request.
— A web version of a printed book suitable for instructor-led settings or self-study. Six lessons cover basic epidemiology principles, concepts, and disease surveillance or investigation procedures.
Public Health 101 Series — A set of courses that provides an introduction to public health and covers the sciences essential to public health practice. Topics include epidemiology, public health informatics and surveillance, health economics, public health laboratory science, and related fields.
— Case studies on epidemiology and prevention and population health offered by the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research. Available for download and suitable for population health education in a variety of disciplines.
— Professional network of 55 field epidemiology training programs (FETPs) around the world offers a short course on innovative surveillance and other resources.
Toxicological Outbreak Investigation Course and Toolkit | 星空娱乐官网 — Collection of sample customizable documents that can be used during an outbreak investigation.
Media Requests
Request interviews and information for news media stories via 星空娱乐官网's Division of Media Relations.
Contact Us
Speak with an officer, alum or request program information by emailing EISoperations@cdc.gov.