On June 18, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services awarded 59 jurisdictions with $200 million to bolster support and enhance  the disease intervention specialists (DIS) workforce. These awards represent the initial funding of the $1.13 billion investment being made over the next five years, consistent with the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and will provide these jurisdiction public health programs and CDC with the support needed to expand and leverage the valuable work of DIS.

– CDC Media Statement released June 21, 2021

This funding is intended to allow DIS workforces to continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, they are targeting the funds to increase the capacity of health departments to handle the following:

• Disease investigating
• Linkage to prevention and treatment
• Case management and oversight
• Outbreak response for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases

Stay safe and stay tuned!