Epidemiology Unit
The Epidemiology Unit is part of the Office of Health Assessment and Epidemiology (OHAE), which includes the Data Collection & Analysis Unit and the Health Assessment Unit. Under the guidance of the Frank Sorvillo, director of OHAE, and Dr. Margaret Shih, chief of the Epidemiology Unit, the program tackles a spectrum of activities from health reports to operations management.Located in the Public Health Building, this program collaborates with many offices and programs across the Department of Public Health (DPH). In-house research studies garner its data from various sources: vital records, school fitness data, hospital discharge data, and population estimates, to name a few. Several of these data sources are maintained and customized by staff members.
Additionally, the Epidemiology Unit assists in orchestrating DPH-wide integration and management of geographic information systems (GIS) and statistical analysis software. Improving the way public health is practice stands as important task this program maintains.
The Epidemiology Unit continues to grow, bringing on board talented and creative researchers, pushing the envelope in public health science and practice.
To ensure the availability of high-quality and comprehensive health data on the Los Angeles County population and to facilitate its use for public health assessment, policy development, and program planning and evaluation.
Key activities of the Epidemiology Unit include to:
- Provide epidemiology support and training among Department programs and offices and community partners, especially toward chronic disease prevention and where such capacity does not currently exist.
- Centralize technology, training, and resources for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) within the Department.
- Standardize and make available data on demographics, childhood overweight, hospital discharge diagnoses, health-related quality of life, and other indicators of community health.
- Participate in the conduct of special studies and projects, especially those that integrate efforts among Department programs and offices and community partners.
