Vector Control

In 2023, supported by grants of up to $10,000 each, Calhoun County (IL), Marion County (IN), and Bell and Williamson Counties (TX) will work to strengthen their ability to detect and respond to disease threats spread by mosquitoes and ticks. See the press statement.

An Evaluation of the NACCHO Vector Control Collaborative Mentorship Program

Through the Vector Control Collaborative (VCC), NACCHO is establishing a growing network of local vector control organizations that can share resources, experiences, and lessons learned with other local vector control programs. Since launching the VCC in 2018, NACCHO has awarded over $172,000 to 28 programs across eleven states. Read the report to find out more about the collaborative, and the strides local health departments have made in advancing their vector control programs.

Local vector control programs that are interested in learning more about the Vector Control Collaborative and other technical assistance opportunities should send an email to [email protected].

NACCHO's Toolbox is a free, online collection of public health tools that have been created and shared by members of the public health community. The Toolbox includes a Vector Control Toolkit to connect LHDs with effective vector control initiatives.

Access the Vector Control Toolkit:

Visit the Toolbox and select "Vector Control Toolkit" from the Toolkits dropdown.

Submit a Tool:

Share your own tools for other vector control programs to use and adapt. Visit the Toolbox and click "Submit a Tool" at the top of the page.

Theme: Managing Mosquitoes in Disaster Situations: Best Practices and Partnerships

1. Click here to read the recap.
2. See event photos here.
3. See tools and resources from the workshop.

Recordings from NACCHO's recent vector control webinars are available below:

• Tickborne Diseases, April 2019
• Mosquito Surveillance: Trapping and Biology, June 2018
  
• Using Mosquito Surveillance to Make Decisions about Control Methods, August 2018

Local health departments need effective communications methods to promote healthy behavior in the community, build support for local public health efforts, increase impact and influence with policymakers, the media and the public, and provide models of practice for other public health professionals. To ensure that your message resonates with your intended audience, it must be dynamic and memorable. The most effective way to do that is with a story.

You can use these stories:

• Pitch your story to the media. Media outlets love stories with emotional appeals, especially if they fit within certain time-tested genres (i.e., heroes and villains, scrappy underdogs, overcoming huge odds, etc.).
• See if you can sway support within local government for your program by coming prepared with a story the next time you meet with elected officials.
• Start off your next presentation with a story instead of statistics and watch the expressions in the room change from bored to intrigued.

Tell your story today! Email [email protected] for more information.

The resources below are for local vector control programs.

NACCHO's assessment of mosquito control and surveillance activities in Zika virus priority jurisdictions provided important findings. These findings supported the formation of a Vector Control and Surveillance working group, run by NACCHO, funded by CDC, and comprised of representatives from local vector control organizations as well as subject matter experts. This working group will participate in the following activities:

• Discuss and share current vector control and surveillance plans;
• Identify challenges, resources used, and resources needed related to Zika response at the local level;
• Share public information communications tools and resources related to Zika with NACCHO and other state and local health officials; and
• Inform, review, and comment on a NACCHO-developed technical assistance program focused on improving vector control and surveillance capabilities at the local level.

For more information on NACCHO's Vector Control and Surveillance working group, please contact [email protected]

Click here to access NACCHO's policy statements on mosquito control and vector-borne diseases.