STD Resource
2020 DIS Recognition Day
Join in and celebrate a day dedicated to honor Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS), and all that they do to prevent and halt disease in the name of public health on October 2, 2020
Why We Celebrate Disease Intervention Specialists
DIS are the backbone of state and local STD/HIV programs, and the COVID-19 pandemic has shed even more light on the critical role they play in public health. In some jurisdictions, DIS have been reassigned to COVID-19 response due to their expertise in partner notification, interviewing, and community engagement. Contact tracing strategies that have received heightened visibility with COVID-19 intersect with the tools and strategies that DIS have been using for decades. Though DIS have specialized skill sets, their work is often undervalued. At NCSD, we strive to celebrate their work and expertise through DIS Recognition Day. We encourage the expansion of this public health workforce through federal funding and the development of robust training programs.
This year, we would also like to send our heartfelt condolences to the friends, family, and colleagues of DIS that have lost their lives to COVID-19. In July, NCSD recognized the death of Chantee Mack, a veteran DIS from the Prince George’s County Health Department in Maryland. DIS like Mack are committed to improving and protecting the health of their community, and that dedication does not go unnoticed.
Zoom Background Contest Winners
This year we hosted a Zoom background design contest in acknowledgment that many of you are working from home and attending virtual conferences and meetings due to COVID-19. We asked contestants to highlight the role of DIS in public health in their original designs. Here are our winners!
Alba Moraila, Multnomah County Health Department, Oregon
“STIs anywhere, DIS everywhere”
Alejandra Rebolledo, Douglas County Health Department, Nevada “A Helping Hand”
Sara Cera, City of El Paso Department of Public Health, Texas “All Stars”
Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all who entered the contest. If you would like to save any of these backgrounds, click on the image to enlarge and save it.
Wear It Loud and Proud: Order Your DIS Recognition Swag
View 2018’s winning design and order your DIS t-shirt, hoodie, mug, or mask.
DIS Word Cloud
For the 2020 DIS Scholarship application, we asked, “What 3 words describe what it takes to be a DIS?” This word cloud showcases the words DIS frequently used to answer the question. Click on the image to enlarge and save it!
Take the Celebration Online
Take a picture with our DIS Photo Message Templates. Consider posting these to social media, sharing with NCSD, or sending around your department. Please send all pictures to Iman Karnabi, NCSD and we will highlight these on social media.
Sample Social Media
- #DIS are the backbone of STD prevention. Thank you for all you do! #DISDay2020
- DIS workers across the country in the fight against #COVID19. #DISDay2020
- The DIS workforce knows how to fight for and defend our communities during the #COVID19 crisis #DISDay2020
- Since WWII, #DIS have been deployed during public health crises like Ebola, Zika and more – and#COVID19 is no different. #DISDay2020
- STDs have reached record highs, and Disease Intervention Specialists are on the front lines against these epidemics. #DISDay2020
- DIS cover many miles in their attempt to ensure all patients who have been exposed to an infection are notified and treated. #DISDay2020
- Have you thanked a DIS today? It’s DIS Recognition Day! Visit the link for ways to honor DIS today: https://bit.ly/2ZPOm0B #DISDay2020
- DIS are public health heroes dedicated to their communities. Thank you for all you do! https://bit.ly/2ZPOm0B#DISday2020
- Disease Intervention Specialists serve a critical role in controlling the spread of STDs, HIV, TB, and hepatitis. #DISDay2020
