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NEWS RELEASE
J. Mark Bryant, Public Information Officer
[email protected] | 251.690.8823
October 6, 2016
MCHD recognizes its Disease Intervention Specialists
MOBILE, Alabama — The National Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) Recognition Day is
officially observed on Friday, October 7. The Mobile County Health Department, though, could not wait
to honor its “foot soldiers on the front line of prevention.”
Staff members receiving certificates of appreciation today were Karen Bowling, Joe Hulbert, Jasmine
Rover, Danielle Simpson and LaSonja Smith. The documents were signed by Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II,
Health Officer for Mobile County, and Susan Stiegler, Assistant Health Officer.
“We truly appreciate the work you do here,” said Kelly Warren, the Director of the Prevention &
Wellness at MCHD. “What you do is true public health. People don’t realize the job you have. You
serve our patients with dignity and respect.”
Joining Ms. Warren during the presentation was Dr. Stephanie Crawford, who oversees the Bureau of
Disease Control & Environmental Health. Following the ceremony, the staff was served coffee, juice
and doughnuts.
Disease Intervention Specialists are the backbone of state and local infectious disease programs. They
serve the most critical role in the reporting and controlling of the spread of STDs, HIV, tuberculosis and
hepatitis. Specialists cover many miles in their attempt to assure all patients who are infected, or have
been exposed to an infection, are notified and treated.
It is important to recognize those whose work often goes unrecognized. DIS brave unsafe conditions,
work weekends and nights, and respond to crises outside of STD/HIV and Tuberculosis prevention
including pertussis, H1N1 influenza, e-coli and other outbreaks.
DIS work in health departments, community health centers and other similar locations. Their role was
initially established to work in the field of STD prevention. However, these public health professionals
have ground-level investigative skills that have also become key components of tuberculosis outbreak
response; HIV exposure notification; other infectious disease control efforts; and emergency response.
DIS have expertise in essential skills such as communication, interviewing, counseling, case analysis,
and provider and community engagement.
As the health care landscape evolves, DIS are needed even more as patient navigators and network
builders to ensure patients are linked to care through expanded relationships with health care providers.
DIS staff members are a critical part of the public health infrastructure and in building the link to health
care.
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