Communicable Disease Program
Colorado state law requires that CDPHE monitor, investigate and control the causes of epidemic and communicable diseases, including, but not limited to:
• influenza and other respiratory diseases,
• enteric diseases,
• food borne diseases,
• invasive bacterial diseases,
• waterborne diseases,
• zoonotic diseases, and
• diseases related to childcare.
The program collects disease data using a state-of-the-art web-based disease reporting system, known as the Colorado Electronic Disease Reporting System (CEDRS). The program also conducts special studies to evaluate disease prevention activities and to learn more about communicable disease risk factors.
Environmental Epidemiology Section
This program serves as a technical consultant to the department and all other local, state, and federal public health and environmental agencies, and the public.
Staff independently review, interpret, and present information on the physical, chemical and toxicological properties of environmental contaminants that pose a potential or existing hazard to human health and the environment.
The program also conducts environmental health monitoring, surveillance and research in communities statewide and offers environmental health education to health professionals, students and the public.
Immunization Program
This program works to:
• ensure the prevention of vaccine- preventable diseases in Colorado by increasing and maintaining vaccine coverage; and
• ensure access to immunization services for Coloradoans across their lifespan.
This program operates the federally funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, which provides vaccines to children in Colorado eligible for publicly funded services.
The program also works with school nurses, administrators, and the State Board of Health to ensure students are in compliance with school entry rules and regulations pertaining to immunizations.
Tuberculosis Program
This program has statewide responsibility for the control of tuberculosis.
Program staff fund, and work in conjunction with, local public health departments and nursing services to provide tuberculosis treatment and control activities according to current treatment standards and Colorado laws, rules and regulations.
STD/ HIV Section
This section provides partner care, notification, education, testing and referral in order to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Viral Hepatitis Program
The Viral Hepatitis Program coordinates a comprehensive approach designed to prevent the spread of viral hepatitis in Colorado and limit the progression and complications of viral hepatitis-related liver disease.
The program also works to increase access to clinical services for those at risk of contracting viral hepatitis and by those who are already infected.
Refugee Health Services Program
This program ensures that an initial public health screening, physical examination and immunizations are provided for new, eligible refugees resettling in Colorado.
These screenings and assessments include evaluation for communicable diseases not assessed overseas and for identification of potential health conditions.
Colorado Responds to Children with Special Needs Program (CRCSN)
This program characterizes the prevalence of birth defects and related disabilities and provides epidemiological information for research and intervention.
CRCSN also participates in special projects to better understand fetal alcohol syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and autism in Colorado.