HOUSTON: The Houston Health Department has been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for implementing best practices in local public health.
HHD’s award-winning program brings together our Epidemiology, Information Technology and Informatics teams to provide near real-time Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) reporting for Salmonella cases. By quickly identifying linked cases, analyzing epidemiologic data and pinpointing potential food sources, the program helps contain foodborne outbreaks faster and better protect Houston’s 2.3 million residents.
Congratulations to the team behind this national recognition:
• Dr. Varsha Vakil, PhD, MPH – Epidemiology
• Aun Ali, MS – Information Technology
• Dr. Louis Carillo, MD, MPH & Dr. Rakhee Sardar, BDS, MPH – Informatics
This recognition was presented during NACCHO360 in Louisville, Kentucky, celebrating innovative local public health programs making a difference across the nation.
