ERT

The Epidemiology Response Program was created within the Department of State Health Services as a result of a grant allocated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to upgrade public health preparedness for response to bioterrorism, other outbreaks of infectious disease, and other public health threats and emergencies. Areas include:

Preparedness Planning and Readiness Assessment

Surveillance and Epidemiology

Laboratory Capacity-Biologic Agent

Health Alert Network Communications and Information Technology

Communicating Health Risks and Health Information Dissemination

Education and Training

Bioterrorism may occur as covert events, in which persons are unknowingly exposed and an outbreak is suspected only upon recognition of unusual disease clusters or symptoms. Bioterrorism may also occur as announced events, in which persons are warned that an exposure has occurred. For this reason, there are numerous plans developed to improve the overall preparedness to bioterrorism events, infectious disease outbreaks, or any other public health emergencies to ensure that the residents of our Region are safe and prepared.

Go to main DSHS Web Site

Go to the DSHS IDEAS (Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance Division) site.

Go to RAC G Website

Epidemiology Response Team (ERT) Contacts

Headquarters are in Tyler office unless otherwise indicated:

Debbie Evans
Program Manager
(903) 533-5283

Nancy West R.N.
(936) 544-3559
Crockett, TX

Sheryl Gajewksy, R.N.
SNS Coordinator
(903)533-5333

(903) 885-6573
Sulphur Springs, TX

Vickie Harris
Public Health Technician
(903) 533-5262

Pat Huff
Program Specialist
(903) 927-0231
Marshall, TX

Kimberly Friend
Administrative Technician
(903)533-5302