Communicable Disease

Hello from the Communicable Disease Section

The Communicable Disease Section was proud to host Mr. A. Bernard Davis as our main speaker, at the 56th Annual Eastern District NC Public Health Conference, held in Nags Head, NC. Mr. Davis is no stranger to Public Health. Some of his roles in Public Health have included working as a phlebotomist, Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS), Lead DIS, Regional Supervisor and Get Real Get Tested Coordinator. Currently, he is the Practice Manager and Ryan White Program Director for Rosedale Infectious Diseases. In addition to his work at Rosedale, he is a 2nd year PhD student in the Human Sexuality program at the California Institute of Integral Studies, in San Francisco, CA. His research focuses in LGBT health policy concentrating within the African American communities.

Mr. Davis’ presentation taught us how to work more effectively with Transgender clients. We also learned how Rosedale Infectious Disease uses technology for client tracking. As part of our Section Business luncheon we were informed of the importance of “Indoor Air Quality.” Mr. David Lipton, with DPH-Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Section, taught us the important of cleanliness in our everyday habitats in relation to air quality. So, if you want to breathe easier, you must actively clean your surroundings. Local Health Departments can help individuals to determine if DPH is needed by assessing the living conditions and actions of clientele. So ask those key questions and ensure active cleaning is occurring before calling to report potential health issues.

The Communicable Disease Section joined Health Education in the afternoon for a session presented by Alex Batshchelet and Brenda Shiflet from Dare County Health and Human Services called “Keeping Current”. They walked us through a mock teenage bedroom, educating us on signs of substance abuse and risk factors to be aware of with youth today. All of the presentations were informative and engaging.