Disease Intervention

We train the disease intervention workforce to support individuals with communicable infections and those that may be at risk of infection.

DIS team photo

What We Do

We create innovative curricula and online training modules for disease intervention professionals so that they can effectively conduct contact tracing, partner services, and emergency response. Our team has traditionally provided capacity building around DIS skills focused on HIV/STIs as part of the National Network of Disease Intervention Training Centers (NNDITC). We are currently leading large-scale efforts to build capacity for COVID-19 disease intervention. Past projects have addressed other communicable infections such as tuberculosis.

Who We Are

Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) work in health departments, community health centers, and other similar locations to perform contact tracing, partner services, and emergency response. At the heart of this work is building trust, developing rapport, and providing support to the public. Our staff has decades of experience as contact tracers and outreach workers. We understand that effective contact tracing, counseling, case analysis, and community engagement are rooted in empathy and compassion.

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

Online Course

Self-Disclosure
Many clients in prevention and care settings would like to tell others of their status regarding HIV/STI or other health conditions

Online Course

Introduction to Public Health Detailing
CDC Train’s Introduction to Public Health Detailing course educates and informs DIS on how to perform comprehensive, high-quality public health detailing to medical and healthcare professionals.

Online Course

Introduction to Telephone Interviewing for DIS
CDC Train’s Introduction to Telephone Interviewing for DIS course will introduce partner services providers (i.e., DIS) to the basic principles and best practices for conducting telephone interviews

Online Course

Introduction to Trauma Informed Care for DIS
CDC Train’s Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care for DIS course is designed to introduce Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) to the principles and strategies of trauma-informed care, so they are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to support clients who have experienced trauma.

Online Course

Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity
CDC Train’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to provide inclusive and affirming services to your patients.

Online Course

Partner Services
CDC Train’s Passport to Partner Services online modules are for providers who conduct all aspects of Partner Services (PS), and they are designed for PS professionals of all experience levels.

Online Course

Integrating PrEP into Partner Services
CDC Train’s Integrating PrEP into Partner Services course is designed to give Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) the tools they need to offer HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to their clients by reviewing what PrEP is, how it differs from post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and how to assess whether a patient is eligible.

Online Course

Introduction to Field Safety for DIS
CDC Train’s Introduction to Field Safety for DIS module will introduce partner services providers (i.e., DIS) to the basic principles and best practices for safely conducting field visits.