Early-stage implementation of peer-led interventions for emergency department patients with substance use disorder: Findings from a formative qualitative evaluation.

Introduction: Emergency department (ED)-based peer recovery coach (PRC) programs can improve access to substance use disorder treatment (SUD) for ED patients. As literature on early stages of PRC implementation is limited, we conducted a qualitative assessment of ED PRC program implementation from several US-based PRC programs focusing on barriers and facilitators for implementation and providing recommendations based on the findings.

Methods: We collected qualitative data from 39 key informants (peer recovery coaches, PRC program managers, ED physicians and staff, representatives of community-based organizations) via 6 focus groups and 21 interviews in February-December 2023.

Syndromic Surveillance as a Tool for Case-Based Varicella Reporting in Georgia, 2016-2019.

Objectives: Syndromic surveillance can be used to enhance notifiable disease case-based surveillance. We analyzed features of varicella reported in Georgia to evaluate case detection through syndromic surveillance and to compare varicella reported through syndromic surveillance with varicella reported from all other sources.

Methods: Syndromic surveillance was incorporated into case-based varicella surveillance by the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) in May 2016.

Upward Trends of Parotitis and Mumps in Atlanta over a Decade.

Rising rates of mumps in Georgia have been reported. We hypothesize that the incidence of parotitis and mumps presenting to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) has increased over the past decade among immunized children. Retrospective chart reviews were conducted using ICD9/10-codes for parotitis and mumps from January 2007 to December 2017.

Varicella Outbreak Surveillance in Schools in Sentinel Jurisdictions, 2012-2015.

Background: In 2007, a routine second dose of varicella vaccine was recommended in the United States for children aged 4 to 6 years to better control varicella-zoster virus circulation and outbreaks. Sentinel varicella outbreak surveillance was established to assess feasibility of surveillance and describe outbreaks that are occurring.

Methods: Through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity funding, health departments conducted active surveillance for varicella outbreaks in schools from 2012 to 2015.

Factors Associated with Time to Appropriate Treatment in Pertussis Cases in Georgia, 2009 to 2013.

Pertussis is endemic in the United States, with periodic epidemics that continue to highlight its importance as a public health issue. The clinical presentation of pertussis can vary by age and vaccination status. However, little is known about the factors that affect time to antibiotic treatment of pertussis cases.