In an effort to maintain readiness to respond to COVID surges, the increased incidence of multi-drug resistant organisms in healthcare settings as a result of the pandemic, and other disease outbreaks, we are proposing adding a full-time, permanent infection preventionist to the communicable disease surveillance and response program. An infection preventionist will complement the skillset of the two public health nurses who currently staff the program.

Having an infection preventionist will allow for the Health District to provide technical assistance to long-term care facilities, acute-care hospitals, shelters, and other congregate settings in ways to mitigate or prevent the spread of disease. This is an area that COVID has highlighted as a need in the community.

The approximate annual cost for an infection preventionist is $69,252 - $102,342 plus benefits (usually 30%).

The funding for this position would come from Foundational Public Health funds and would support the communicable disease focused body of work, specifically the areas of:

• Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI)
• Disease investigation and response
• Vaccine-preventable disease investigation and surveillance

Consistent with Resolution 19-20 and the revised Division of Responsibilities (10/8/19), the Board of Health has authority over the Health District budget.