4 - The Gulf South Vector Educational Center for Training, Outreach and Resources

Abstract: Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) have increased in the past two decades at rates beyond what current infrastructure can manage. To protect public health, we must increase and strengthen our front-line defenses, which are mosquito abatement districts, public health workers and pest management professionals. This is particularly important in the Gulf South because of its intersection of health and economic disparities with a climate that is susceptible to vectors and pathogens. Our currently funded project called; "Coordinated training and evaluation of pest management, vector control districts, public health, sanitary, and animal health professionals in these fields to achieve an integrated workforce to mitigate community vector-borne disease risk in the Gulf Coast region," will address critical gaps in information exchange, resources, infrastructure, evaluation methods, and training standards. The project created the Gulf South Vector Educational Center for Training, Outreach, and Resources (Gulf South VECTOR) to better reach professionals and students in the region.