Department of Health, Department of Health Facilities, and Department of Human Services

​The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources received the Epi-Aid Trip Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Epi-Aid Trip Report is an addendum to a previous report conducted by the CDC.  The report reviewed the State’s epidemiological capacity during the Elk River chemical spill response. 

The request was made by the Bureau for Public Health during an EPI-Aid request that brought CDC to West Virginia to assist with emergency department chart reviews, and the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER).   

“We are currently reviewing and considering the recommendations outlined by CDC,” said Dr. Loretta Haddy, WV State Epidemiologist and Director of DHHR’s Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services. “Over the last six months, the Bureau for Public health has been exploring additional training opportunities that will further strengthen the response preparedness of our agency’s epidemiologists during times of disaster.  Additionally, we have been working with the WVU School of Public Health to create internships opportunities to help further recruit epidemiologists.  The Bureau for Public Health has professional and capable epidemiologists that step in during disaster situations to help protect the safety and well-being of West Virginians.  CDC’s recommendations confirm we’re taking the appropriate steps to ensure this continues.”

Click here to read the report in its entirety.