Curtailing Infectious Diseases in Montana
Montana has seen a 546% increase in syphilis cases since 2019. While syphilis cases have risen in Montana and nationwide, chlamydia and gonorrhea remain the two most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STD) reported in the state. Public health workers need additional skills and training to respond to this growing public health crisis.
In June 2021, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MTDPHHS) received funding to strengthen STD prevention and control for health departments by hiring and supporting Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS). The DIS role aims to increase the capacity of state, Tribal, and local public health departments to mitigate the spread of communicable diseases.
The Center for Children, Families, and Workforce Development (Center) was chosen by the MTDPHHS to develop training that responds to the evolving needs of the local health jurisdictions while also training on core concepts applicable to DIS in their daily work. The Center has developed eLearning modules to prepare DIS to:
- Investigate communicable diseases
- Understand the complexities of syphilis infection
- Control the spread of communicable diseases through appropriate testing, treatment, follow-up, and partner management.
The next module will focus on HIV investigations and referral for post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). New disease-specific modules will be created as the needs of local and Tribal health departments arise.
To enhance DIS learning, group tele-coaching sessions are offered after each eLearning module. The tele-coaching sessions, facilitated by an experienced community and public health nurse, allow DIS to ask questions, trouble-shoot case-based scenarios, and learn from their peers. Bi-weekly open office hours are also available for anyone needing extra support between monthly coaching sessions. As of July 2022, the training is open to any DIS, public health nurse, or anyone performing communicable disease investigations.
“Disease Intervention Specialists are at the heart of breaking the chain of sexually transmitted infection transmission,” says Kristi Aklestad, Section Supervisor for Montana’s Communicable Disease Control and Prevention Bureau, “The work of these dedicated professionals is vital to understanding how to prevent additional infections across Montana. The DIS course created by University of Montana is the first of its kind in Montana and provides much needed support and resources for the local and tribal public health workforce.”
If you are interested in participating or learning more about DIS training please contact Hannah Tougas.
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