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Epi-Ready Team Training

Epi-Ready, a multi-day training course that utilizes a team-based approach, teaches professionals how to respond to a foodborne illness outbreak efficiently and effectively by understanding the roles and responsibilities of the disciplines involved: epidemiology, laboratory, and environmental health. This training helps public health professionals and other involved personnel rapidly identify and investigate a foodborne disease outbreak to allow for swift implementation of control measures to stop and prevent outbreaks.

Epi-Ready focuses on:

  • Proactive training for teams before an incident occurs
  • Clear lines of communication and responsibilities within departments
  • Improved collaboration between organizations and disciplines
  • Reduced response time
  • Staff and community confidence in having a well-trained team in place
The course uses the analogy of a 3-legged stool, representing a collaboration between the disciplines involved in a foodborne illness investigation:
  • Environmental health specialists
  • Epidemiologists
  • Laboratory staff
The course also recognizes the important role of critical support players including but not limited to health educators, public health nurses, public information officers, and the food industry.
  • Workshop content is designed to follow the .
  • Information from the International Association of Food Protection (IAFP) Procedures to Investigate Foodborne Illness was also used to inform the course contents.
  • Topics are covered through a combination of lectures, question-and-answer sessions, interactive group exercises, and a final case study.
  • This training was developed in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The History of Epi-Ready

This history of the Epi-Ready program was uncovered through a series of interviews, personal conversations, emails, and paper files of key partners involved through the last 20 years. It serves as a comprehensive report on the evolution and value of Epi-Ready since its inception. This is the first report of its kind, showcasing the history of the Epi-Ready training concept, the value it brings to the public health field, and the future of the training program.

Read the Report

Training Information

For more information about setting up a training session in your jurisdiction, complete the request form.