Case Investigation and Contact Tracing are public health strategies used to contain the spread of an infectious disease within a community. For over a century, public health professionals have used these strategies to fight infectious diseases like smallpox, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, and Ebola.
Tracing Health contact tracers go through a rigorous introductory training with over 100 hours of education and practical skill-building. Each employee is trained in interviewing techniques, HIPAA compliance, multiple databases, and customer service. All Tracing Health team members are certified in Mental Health First Aid.
The success of case investigation and contact tracing depends on the interviewer’s ability to build trust and rapport with the individual being interviewed. Tracing Health’s multilingual team members communicate with most cases and contacts in their preferred language and often share their cultural background. This shared experience reduces the need for interpreter services and allows the Tracing Health team to build trust and deliver critical information that saves lives.
What is Case Investigation? In a case investigation, a public health worker interviews someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (the “case”) and helps them recall and identify each of the people with whom they have had contact during the period that they may have been infectious. Case investigators also educate individuals who have tested positive on the importance of isolation, and the ways they can help keep their loved ones and communities safe.
What is Contact Tracing? The definition of contact tracing is the process of identifying individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19, alerting them of this exposure, and providing important health education. In certain circumstances, contact tracers advise individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 to quarantine for a period of time in order to avoid exposing others to the virus.
60% of Tracing Health Case Investigators & Contact Tracers come from the communities they serve.
40,000+ positive COVID-19 cases were assigned by counties to Tracing Health in California.
46,700+ Household contacts were generated from completed case investigations.
“Our experience with PHI has exceeded our expectations. PHI immediately provided assistance, and as a result, we were able to control the (Firestone) outbreak and keep it from spreading further into our community.”
Dr. Alan Melnick
“As a contact tracer, I measured success as the tone of voice in an individual’s call changing. This includes, at the beginning, being a little scared or frustrated about what it means to have COVID. But at the end of the call, they’re happy, they’re informed, and they know they have support.”
John Franco, former Contact Tracer
“Through case investigation, contact tracing, and resource coordination, this partnership helped improve health outcomes related to COVID-19 among San Bernardino County residents, with focused efforts on serving our most disadvantaged communities.”
County Partner, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, CA
Nicktae’s time with us was short but she has contributed to our team (and community) in such a big way that words cannot express our thankfulness. We are fortunate to share this space with her and with all our PHI colleagues
Contact Investigator Lead, Marin County, CA
I just concluded a call regarding resources and just wanted to pass along that the individual stated how pleasant and helpful the resource coordinator was when speaking with her. She reported that she was not sure what to expect and that Alexander was “wonderful”, helped ease her worries and explained everything very clearly.
Sonoma County Dept. of Health Services
For more information about our services or about partnering with Tracing Health please contact us.