Epi-Ready is a comprehensive two-day training that will build your team’s capability to respond to foodborne illness outbreaks rapidly. The curriculum teaches public health professionals how to efficiently identify and investigate outbreaks through coordinated efforts between epidemiology, laboratory, and environmental health teams.
Through interactive exercises and discussions, participants learn investigation best practices, cross-disciplinary coordination, and evidence-based control measures.
Learning Objectives
After completion of this course, participants will be able to describe:
- Roles and responsibilities of an outbreak investigation team.
- Foodborne illness and its impact.
- Outbreak surveillance and response methods.
- Laboratory, epidemiology and environmental health investigation methods.
- Complex outbreaks.
- Outbreak communication and reporting.
- Public health actions and outbreak control measures in a final case study
Format & Time Commitment
This in-person training accommodates up to 30 participants over two full days.
Instructor Requirements
You’ll need three instructors with backgrounds in environmental health, epidemiology, and public health laboratory to lead specialized modules. An optional training coordinator can manage logistics.
Technical Setup
The training requires internet access, sound system, projector, and computer. We provide an instructor packet with training tips and delivery guidance.
Prerequisites & Audience
Participants should have a basic knowledge of foodborne disease investigation concepts and methods. It is designed for state and local public health staff who may work on foodborne outbreaks.
Participants
Please download the participant guide before your Epi-Ready training.
Instructors
If you have any questions on instructor materials or setting up Epi-Ready resources in REDCap, please contact the TN CoE (TNFood.SafetyCOE@tn.gov).