These Grand Rounds presentations are provided as a courtesy of CDC’s Preventive Medicine Residency and Fellowship (PMR/F) program with the goal of sharing concrete examples of applying systems-based approaches and leadership practices to population health interventions in a broad range of diseases and health conditions.
Presentation 1: The COVID-19 Pandemic, a Catalyst for Strengthening One Health
One Health recognizes the connection between the health of people, animals, and the environment. Applying a One Health approach is gaining recognition in the United States and globally as an effective way to address zoonotic diseases, which are spread between animals and people. As a zoonotic virus with documented transmission between people and pets, captive wildlife, free-ranging wildlife, and other animals, SARS-CoV-2 illuminated the need for enhanced coordination between human and animal health partners. A One Health approach is more important than ever to understand how and why spillover events occur and how they can be prevented, assess if and how transmission occurs between people and animals, track variants and mutations in animals, identify potential establishment of new animal hosts and reservoirs, provide evidence-based guidance to protect human and animal health and animal welfare, and ultimately to prevent future emerging zoonotic disease threats.
In this presentation, Dr. Kate Varela will describe how the COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for strengthening One Health in the United States through implementation of an effective One Health Federal Interagency COVID-19 Coordination group.
Presentation 2: Supporting Schools in COVID-19 Response: A Local Public Health Experience
COVID-19 has put tremendous strain on school systems and public health agencies. The increase in COVID-19 cases in July and August 2021 coincided with the start of the 2021-2022 school year, leading to a significant burden on school staff. Dr. Vahey discusses one local health district's experience providing COVID-19 contact tracing support to local school districts, including challenges and lessons learned.
SPEAKERS
Kate Varela, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, Preventive Medicine Fellow
One Health Office, CDC, Atlanta, GA
Grace Vahey, DVM, MPH, Preventive Medicine Fellow
Cobb & Douglas Public Health, Marietta, GA
Preventive Medicine Grand Rounds - The COVID-19 Pandemic, a Catalyst for Strengthening One Health & Supporting Schools in COVID-19 Response: a Local Public Health Experience - May 4, 2022 (Web on Demand)
