Surveillance, Evaluation and Analysis

Despite several good sources of health data that are available, there is still much that we do not know about the health status, behaviors and causative factors of the people who reside in south central Kentucky.  Much of the information that we need isn’t available as no one is collecting it.  The BRDHD staff and our community partners identify the health data most needed.  The Health Information Branch consults with other staff on collection methods for the needed data, analyzes it, and makes it available to our staff and the community. 

Since 2000, the BRDHD has received grant funding through the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to operate its Injury Prevention Project to support local efforts to address unintentional injuries.  One full time staff position is dedicated to the collection, analysis and presentation of data from admissions to the Emergency Departments of six local hospitals.  Also under this project, staff conduct observational surveillance studies to determine the number and demographics of local residents who are using vehicle seat belts or cell phones while they drive.  This information is used by BRDHD staff teams and local injury prevention coalitions to target their efforts more effectively, educate the public on injury risks, and evaluate their activities. 

 Our Epidemiologist serves as a resource to both staff and the community on bioterrorism and disaster preparedness issues as well as communicable disease issues.  He is also a resource for those planning surveillance activities and for program evaluation.  You can contact our Epidemiologist, Srihari Seshadri at 781-8039, ext. 164.