Epidemiology

Mission:

Our Mission is to protect and promote the health of the people of Texas. We use the principles of epidemiology to:

In order to identify populations at risk, understand the cause of disease, and recommend actions to reduce risk.

Detect, respond to, and investigate reports of communicable disease
Actively monitors disease incidences within the region to rapidly detect and address disease outbreaks, including bioterrorism events
Coordinate rapid response to High Consequences Infectious Diseases (HCID)
Promote comprehensive outbreak surveillance and investigation methodologies
Promotes clinical awareness of notifiable diseases
Compile statistical case investigation data
Coordinate planning efforts with public health disciplines and agencies to ensure surveillance mechanisms are in place
Provide technical guidance to officials in local, state, and federal agencies as well as medical providers

"A map displays public health office locations and coverage within in public health region 9/10"

Program Directory

Name	Title	Phone	Email	Office Address
David Kolberson, RN, CCHP	Program Manager	915-834-7710	david.kolberson@dshs.texas.gov	401 E. Franklin, Ste. 210 El Paso, TX 79901
Vanessa Palacios, MCJ	Epidemiology Supervisor	915-834-7714	vanessa.palacios@dshs.texas.gov
Karla Ruiz, MPH, CIC	Epidemiologist II	915-834-7754	karla.ruiz@dshs.texas.gov
Vianay L. Nava, MPH	Epidemiologist I	915-834-7892	vianay.nava@dshs.texas.gov
Rebecca Basurto-Gonzalez, BS	Program Specialist III	915-834-7852	Rebecca.Basurto-Gonzalez@dshs.texas.gov

PHR 9/10 Local Health Departments

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