Behind the scenes, an army of public-health professionals fights to protect the community from the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), tuberculosis and HIV. On the first Friday in October, they are recognized nationally in gratitude for all they do unseen and unnoticed.

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) is marking the 10th annual National Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) Recognition Day on Friday, Oct. 1. In their communities, DIS work on the frontlines to deliver medications, do contact tracing and educate infectious clients to halt the spread of potentially deadly diseases. More than 2,200 local, state, and federal DIS are on duty to protect their communities.

“COVID-19 has shifted resources and priorities in public health, but our core mission of preventing the spread of infectious disease never stops,” said DOH-Pinellas Director Dr. Ulyee Choe. “Our DIS are a critical component of the public health infrastructure in Pinellas and these caring professionals continue to rise to the challenge each day. We are grateful for all their hard work.”

For more information about DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com and follow us on Twitter @HealthyPinellas.

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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.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.