Simon, Kelsey
(2019)
Allegheny County Health Department’s mosquito borne-disease control program 2019 program summary & development plan.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
The purpose of this development plan is to summarize the Allegheny County Health Department’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program (ACHD MDP), justify the existence of the program, and establish recommendations. A review of program literature was conducted leading to the identification of program theory, history, and background. Knowledge gained was used to develop strategic planning tools and program recommendations
The ACHD MDP is a division of the health department that was established in 2001 to combat West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus can present as serious neurological disease and lacks a vaccine and treatment options. It is necessary for programs like the MDP to exist within a county health department to protect vulnerable populations and the environment. Additionally, having an established infrastructure of vector control within a county health department makes it easier to introduce new systems of surveillance and emergency response, as demonstrated by the 2016 Zika epidemic. This is a high-quality program that carries out all ten of the essential public health services as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The program carries out five core activities. These activities include utilizing evidence-based methods of vector control, surveillance, code enforcement, community education, and training.
Several opportunities for improvement were identified using a logic model and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis (SWOT). Recommendations for program development include establishing consistent program documentation, expanding the utilization of graduate student interns, capitalizing on Pittsburgh’s collegiate environment, expanding the monitoring and evaluation process, and increasing program visibility and community engagement.
Programs like the MDP contribute significantly to public health. In addition to combatting vector-borne diseases, diseases of public health concern, the MDP carries out the 10 Essential Services of Public Health. Also, this program aims to protect vulnerable populations and the environment as well as respond quickly and proactively to emerging diseases and epidemics. This program summary can function as a framework for other counties to establish their own programs, increasing overall public health capacity. This development plan can help guide the program to enhance effectiveness, consistency, and longevity, ultimately protecting the community and improving public health.
Share
Citation/Export: |
|
Social Networking: |
|
Details
Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
|
Status: |
Unpublished |
Creators/Authors: |
|
Contributors: |
Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID ![](/images/orcid_id_24x24.png) |
---|
Committee Chair | Martinson, Jeremy | jmartins@pitt.edu | UNSPECIFIED | UNSPECIFIED | Committee Member | Lamonte, Leah | leah.lamonte@alleghenycounty.us | UNSPECIFIED | UNSPECIFIED | Committee Member | Russell, Joanne | joanner@pitt.edu | UNSPECIFIED | UNSPECIFIED |
|
Date: |
18 November 2019 |
Date Type: |
Completion |
Number of Pages: |
77 |
Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Infectious Diseases and Microbiology |
Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
Refereed: |
Yes |
Date Deposited: |
20 Aug 2020 18:33 |
Last Modified: |
20 Aug 2020 18:33 |
URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/37810 |
Metrics
Monthly Views for the past 3 years
Plum Analytics
Actions (login required)
![View Item View Item](/style/images/action_view.png) |
View Item |