Skip to main content
Regional and Local Health Operations

Regional and Local Health Operations

Public Health Region 9/10 Programs and Services

Epidemiology - Public Health Region 9/10

Mission

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

  • Operate disease registries
  • Conduct disease surveillance
  • Investigate unusual occurrences of disease
  • Assess environmental exposures
  • Conduct population research studies

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

Epidemiology Program Overview

  • 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

Disease Reporting

24/7 Disease Reporting Line
Phone: 888-847-6892 / Fax: 915-834-7842

"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 401 E. Franklin,
Ste. 210
El Paso, TX 79901
Vacant Epidemiologist II N/A N/A 401 E. Franklin,
Ste. 210
El Paso, TX 79901
Vianay L. Nava, MPH Epidemiologist I 915-834-7892 vianay.nava@dshs.texas.gov 401 E. Franklin,
Ste. 210
El Paso, TX 79901
Jorge R. Puentes, MPH       Epidemiologist I 915-834-7608     jorge.puentes@dshs.texas.gov 401 E. Franklin,
Ste. 210
El Paso, TX 79901

Regional Reports and Statistics

PHR 9/10 Local Health Departments

Links