Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) serve as a cornerstone of the STD field by playing a critical role in reporting and controlling the spread of STDs on the ground. The role of DIS in local and state health departments is ever evolving as STD rates continue to rise and innovative ways of conducting partner notification services and using technology emerge in the field. NCSD strives to be the lead organization concerning technical assistance for DIS.
NCSD offers a variety of technical assistance for DIS and health departments in topic areas such as:
- Partner services
- The use of technology in contact tracing
- Sample DIS job descriptions
- Communication and promotional materials concerning the work of DIS
DIS Resource: DC Treatment Day Form
The form is used by the DIS in Washington DC’s School Based Screening Program to conduct interviews on all locatable positives in a variety of settings to include STD clinics, school-based health centers, and via telephone.
DIS Slack Workspace
NCSD uses Slack as the main communication platform for the DIS Community of Practice. The Slack workspace allows DIS to engage in peer-to-peer collaboration and request/share information in “channels” related to topics like PrEP, field safety, and emerging news on STDs.
DIS Recognition Day
Every October, DIS Recognition Day is a time to celebrate all that DIS do in the field of STD prevention. NCSD is committed to releasing materials on the importance of DIS Recognition Day and how health departments and other agencies around the country can celebrate the heroic work of DIS.
