Disease Intervention
We train the disease intervention workforce to support individuals with communicable infections and those that may be at risk of infection.
Disease Intervention Training Center (DITC)
Since 1995, CAPTC’s Disease Intervention Training Center (DITC) has been funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to train the nation’s disease intervention workforce. Disease intervention specialists (DIS) support people with communicable infections and those who may be at risk of infection. This includes contact tracing, case investigation, partner services, and emergency response.
We create innovative curricula and online training modules on all skill sets necessary for DIS to effectively serve the community. Our CAPTC team provides capacity building around disease intervention focused on HIV/STIs as part of the National Network of Disease Intervention Training Centers (NNDITC). In addition to HIV/STI training, we led national training efforts to address COVID-19. Additionally, we provide training for DIS around various communicable infections from tuberculosis to mpox.
Our staff has decades of experience as contact tracers and outreach workers in STI/HIV disease intervention services. We provide knowledge, tools, and techniques suitable for both beginners and seasoned professionals to excel as a DISs.
Enhancing the Capacity of Disease Intervention Staff in California
Funded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Center for Infectious Diseases, CAPTC provides training and technical assistance to California DIS to build and enhance capacity in California’s local health jurisdictions. Program activities include:
- Essential Interviewing Skills for Disease Intervention (EISDI): A comprehensive training series delivered in complementary sessions of asynchronous and synchronous modules. It equips DIS with essential skills to effectively conduct interviews in disease intervention.
- Epidemiology 101: Provides public health workers in California with a foundational understanding of how epidemiology integrates into public health. Participants learn systematic approaches to disease control and explore the role of surveillance in public health.
- Disease Intervention for COVID-19 Asynchronous Courses: Series developed through a collaboration between CDPH, CAPTC, and the Virtual Training Academy (VTA) to train and support contact investigators and contact tracers.
Previously, CDPH Office of AIDS and STD Control Branch funded CAPTC to provide training and technical assistance supporting the Ending the Epidemic initiative in California. Programs included the DIS Summit which brought together expert speakers on the foundational role DIS play in public health (view 2023 and 2020 recordings); Workforce Development Collaboratives for frontline workers and supervisors on emerging topics; and skills-based courses on social determinants of health, cultural humility, and working with men who have sex with men.
National Virtual Trainings
Learning Resources
Enjoy this selection of trainings from CDC Train. You can also check out these and other online learning opportunities from the rest of the CAPTC’s programs on our Online Learning page
Filters
Calculating Interview Periods
Inaugural Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T.) Awards
Mpox Disease Intervention Series
Self-Disclosure
Introduction to Public Health Detailing
Introduction to Telephone Interviewing for DIS
Introduction to Trauma Informed Care for DIS
Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity
STD/HIV Partner Services Interview Demonstration
Partner Services
Integrating PrEP into Partner Services
