National DIS Recognition Day

Connecticut

Connecticut honored DIS Recognition Day through a blog post on CT Health Central, Healthcare’s Unsung Heroes: The DIS, by Liese Klein. 

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District of Columbia

The Washington, DC HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration (HAHSTA) recognized their Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) Thursday, October 4 with an afternoon BBQ in the courtyard of the TB Control & Chest Clinic on the grounds of the DC General Health Campus.  Of the 19 DIS in the Division of STD (14) and TB (5) Control, 17 were present to receive their framed certificate of
appreciation (each signed by the Interim DOH Director) and $25 gift card.  Please see the attached photo.  The celebration included delectables and dancing.   A good time was had by all!

DC DOH's DIS Recognition Proclamation

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Florida

How the Hillsborough County Health Department Celebrated DIS Recognition Day

On October 3, 2012, Hillsborough County Health Department paused to celebrate Disease Intervention Specialist Day.  The first annual observance by the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) on the first Friday in October follows the State of Florida’s lead that established the practice in 2009. 

Of the many reasons why to recognize the Disease Intervention Specialists, NCSD’s proclamation states in part that:

• DIS are often considered the backbone of state and local STD/HIV programs.
• DIS serve the most critical role in the reporting and controlling of the spread of STDs, HIV, TB and hepatitis.
• DIS cover many miles in their attempt to assure all patients who are infected, or have been exposed to an infection, are notified and treated.
• DIS brave unsafe conditions, work weekends and nights and respond to crises outside of STD/HIV prevention including pertussis, H1N1 influenza, e-coli and other outbreaks.
• DIS are silent heroes dedicated to serving the health of their communities. 

Our director, Dr. Holt and Disease Control’s senior leader, Ms. Faye Coe took time from their schedules to join the festivities in present certificates of recognition to the staff (not only DIS, but also those working in Surveillance functions) from the TB, HIV/AIDS and STD programs.

Hillsborough County Health Department's DIS Recognition Certificate

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Maryland

Celebrated DIS Recognition Day by issuing a Press Release, publishing National DIS Recognition Day Tweets, and writing a DIS Thank You Card.

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Oklahoma

The state of Oklahoma was very proud to celebrate the 1^st Annual National DIS Day!  The Oklahoma State Department of Health provided each DIS a certificate.  There was a “banner” placed on the agency intranet recognizing the date. Snacks were provided for the DIS to celebrate.  A nice thank you note was created highlighting many of the personal accomplishments of each of the local DIS.

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Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health celebrated DIS recognition day by having a breakfast, and invited our present and former DIS to attend. Staff got to tell where and when they started, and what they were doing now (it showed staff how DIS at one time were the entry way to many careers in public health). Then everyone shared stories about "exciting" or interesting things that they experienced as DIS. Staff really enjoyed it! 

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Texas

Texas had a variety of events that occurred across the state to recognize DIS. 

110 certificates were produced statewide and the STD/HIV Public Health Follow Up team at DSHS all signed them and we put them in certificate holders. Each of the program managers made sure to give them out at their respective celebrations. (See below)

Here is what each program did: 

Austin-TravisCounty:  The PM and Communicable Disease Manager took their 3 DIS out to lunch.  They also plan to have an article in the next quarterly newsletter about the DIS and what they do.

Amarillo:  Had a come and go reception for their DIS

Corpus Christi:  Had a monstrous cake (made by the program manager) and then they took the DIS to lunch and had specially designed candy bars made up.  The Program Manager also e-mailed all the managers from the other programs and encouraged them to send an e-mail or call the DIS to wish them well.

DallasCounty:  Reserved the RecCenter for the day.  They prepared breakfast for the DIS and then had team building and other games where persons could win a medal.  They served lunch and cake with all the DIS names on it.  They also had the DIS Creed printed and laminated and they stood in a circle and recited it all together. 

San Antonio:  Had a barbeque luncheon and they also recognized former DIS who had moved into another program over the past year.  They also had team building games and laminated the DIS Creed.  They plan to have a notice about the events in the next newsletter. 

Houston:  Had lunch at an Italian restaurant and then had a video of DIS working through the year at varied events, etc.  They also gave out a few awards in addition to the certificates from the State. 

Region 6/5 in the Houston area:  Served breakfast and had the Deputy Regional Director come and present the certificates and spend some time talking with the DIS about their role in serving the public and the health of the community.

Region 4/5 in the Tyler area:  Had pizza and cake and the Medical Director and Deputy Regional Director presented the certificates and a stainless steel beverage mug

Region 7 in the Temple area:  The Program Manager and FLS cooked breakfast.

Region 11 in the Harlingen area:  The Program Manager had all the staff over to his home on Saturday for barbeque, fishing and kayaking. 

Galveston:  “Every day is DIS Appreciation Day” as the program manager serves burgers every week and each month recognizes one of the DIS that is doing an exceptional job by taking them to a movie and providing the popcorn/drink too!

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Wisconsin

The City of Milwaukee STD/HIV Control Program Senior staff arranged a luncheon to celebrate DIS Recognition Day.  The Bureau Director presented each CDS with a Certificate of Recognition signed by the City of Milwaukee Commissioner of Health. 

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