CDC's Quarantine Branch: Building partnerships and enhancing workforce development

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ) Quarantine and Border Health Services Branch (QBHSB) is responsible for protecting the health of the public through science, partnership, and response at U.S. ports. The CDC quarantine program has 20 stations at major ports of entry that work closely with nontraditional public health partners to protect the United States from the introduction of communicable diseases and their spread between states. DGMQ is experiencing a time of strategic growth, strengthening infrastructure by opening new quarantine stations with new staff and forming permanent partnerships with many agencies responsible for the safety of international travelers and the U.S. public. The ongoing need for public health preparedness in response to newly emerging diseases (e.g., pandemic influenza), quarantinable communicable diseases as listed in the executive order (e.g., smallpox), and other diseases of public health significance at ports of entry emphasizes the importance of workforce development for QBHSB staff and various partners at U.S. ports of entry. DGMQ has used needs assessment methods, qualitative studies, and process evaluation to guide its efforts to enhance relationships and build capacity with a variety of partners. These activities have also included community members and international travelers to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about communication methods and public health strategies. Needs assessment and evaluation activities have led to the design and development of strategies to support training, education, and communication for QBHSB staff, partners at ports of entry, public health professionals, travelers, and community members.