VHA Public Health National Program Office (PHNPO)
PHNPO - Accomplishments
Public Health National Program Office (PHNPO): Spearheading Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Preparedness in VA Healthcare
The Public Health National Program Office (PHNPO) is a cornerstone in the nationwide effort to safeguard the health of Veterans through comprehensive public health initiatives. Focused on epidemiologic research, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness, PHNPO ensures that the VA remains at the forefront of public health defenses, policymaking, and emergency response. PHNPO demonstrated exemplary performance in conducting critical public health functions, from deep-dive investigations into the epidemiology of infectious diseases to maintaining vigilant surveillance for conditions like Monkey Pox, influenza, and RSV.
The office's work in reporting vaccination coverage is essential in national efforts to control the spread of infectious diseases. In response to the growing challenge of climate change, PHNPO has taken proactive steps to examine the impact of infectious diseases and develop tracking tools to monitor the health effects on Veterans. This forward-thinking approach indicates the office's dedication to adapting and responding to environmental changes that pose new public health challenges.
In the domain of emergency preparedness, PHNPO has been steadfast in its oversight of critical response assets and its role in national biodefense strategy discussions, ensuring that VA is well-equipped to respond to public health emergencies. The office's contribution to the broader scientific community through published research and presentations at conferences has not only advanced public health knowledge, but has cemented the VA's role as a leader in public health initiatives. Through these comprehensive efforts, PHNPO continues to fortify the VA's capacity to provide the highest level of care to Veterans while preparing for and responding to the dynamic challenges of public health emergencies.
Key Achievements
Epidemiologic Investigations and Publications:
- Conducted a significant Mpox case surveillance investigation, with findings published in the "Journal of Infectious Diseases" in December 2023.
- Completed research on the epidemiology of Coccidioidomycosis, published in the "Journal of Fungi" in July 2023, and presented findings on Lyme disease at the IDWeek Conference in October 2023.
Vaccination Coverage and Reporting:
- Partnered with the CDC to report on national Mpox vaccination coverage, with more than 8,800 VHA- administered Mpox vaccines reported by year-end.
Surveillance Reporting:
- Monitored influenza and RSV trends, producing biweekly surveillance reports and real-time vaccination dashboards.
Climate Change and Infectious Diseases:
- Explored the intersection of emerging infectious diseases and climate change, contributing to developing a Veteran-specific Heat and Health Tracker in collaboration with the CDC.
VA Climate Action and Adaptation:
- Actively participated in the VA Climate Adaptation Working Group, advancing the goals of the 2021 VA Climate Action/Adaptation Plan.
Public Health Operations Quality Assessment:
- Investigated and published findings on sexually transmitted infection testing in the "Sexually Transmitted Diseases" journal and conducted a lookback activity in response to potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens at a VA Medical Center.
Emergency Preparedness Initiatives:
- Oversaw VA’s All-Hazards Emergency Cache sites and led the AHEC Leadership Committee.
- Engaged in strategic policy activities with the Public Health Emergency Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE) and contributed to the Cleland-Dole Act and the USG National Biodefense Strategy Plan as subject matter experts.
Public Health Reference Laboratory Support:
- Supported VHA Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service with specialized clinical laboratory testing and pathogen sequencing and established national testing programs for infectious diseases
