DOH Leon Celebrates National DIS Recognition Day 

October 7, 2022

 DOH-LEON RECOGNIZES ITS DISEASE INTERVENTION SPECIALISTS ON OCTOBER 7

 Tallahassee, Fla.--- The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH Leon), along with health departments across the country, celebrates National Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) Recognition Day on the first Friday in October.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes DIS as the “backbone of public health.” DIS ensure individuals infected with or exposed to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, hepatitis, HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV) or trichomoniasis or Tuberculosis – are tested and treated. Additionally, DIS have been at the forefront in supporting the national response to emerging public health threats, such as COVID-19 and other infectious diseases and outbreaks.

More than 2,200 local, state, and federal DIS perform one of the most essential pieces of our nation’s defense against communicable diseases – boots-on-the-ground contact tracing. 

“DIS bring a special set of skills and level of dedication matched by few in the field. We are honored for the opportunities to work alongside these public health warriors and to call them our colleagues,” said Brandi Knight, MPH, DOH Leon Health Officer.

The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH-Leon) is proud to announce Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) Trinity Slater-Leon has been recognized for her outstanding work in the field of Sexual Transmitted Disease (STD) intervention.  

Trinity Slater-Leon was honored with the 2022 Tommy Chandler DIS Excellence Award.

The award is named after Mr. Chandler who dedicated 54 years of service to the Department of Health in Duval County.  Throughout his remarkable career, Mr. Chandler delivered expert disease investigation services to prevent and reduce the burden of STDs/HIV to thousands of clients in Duval County.  The award is presented every year to specialist who shows exceptional and sustained excellence in disease intervention.

It is the highest award in Florida that recognizes the work of STD DIS staff members. 

DOH Leon’s regional staff members who work as disease investigators include:

• Elizbeth Adair-Gadsden
• Nina Alexander- Leon
• Michael Angela-Madison
• Jennifer Bannister-Bay
• Jennifer Barnes-Bay
• Tina Biddle-Bay
• Desiree Botello-Thomas- Taylor
• Traci Bougeios- Wakulla
• Jennifer Cox- Leon- Supervisor
• Twanna Davis-Gadsden
• Annmarie Douglas- Jackson
• Christopher Douglas- Leon
• Jaquez Dumas-Gadsden
• Gabrielle Frizzell-Madison
• Chelsea Fitzgerald-Leon
• Dale Harrison-Leon -Program Manager
• Trinity Slater-Leon
• Alexander Yarrington-Leon

 The DOH Leon Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention Program offers confidential STD services and testing at little or no cost. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (850) 404-6403.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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