295 - A Programmatic Overview of the Gulf South Vector Educational Center for Training, Outreach, and Resources (VECTOR) 

Abstract: Vector-borne diseases have increased in the past two decades. To protect public health, we must increase and strengthen our front-line defenses, which are mosquito abatement districts and public health workers. The Gulf South Vector Education Center for Training, Outreach, and Resources (Gulf South VECTOR) was funded in 2023 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NC50CK000638). This is a regional partnership of public and private organizations led by the City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, and Rodent Control Board, Louisiana, United States. The goal of this project is to strengthen partnerships across public and private sectors. This project has trained over 40,000 professional and students. The project addresses critical gaps in information exchange, resources, infrastructure, evaluation methods, and training standards. This project trains and evaluates students and professionals. Educational content that highlights procedural best practices has been created. The core curriculum is standardized and replicated across the region, and are offered to students, working professionals, and trainees across audiences with diverse backgrounds. This project will break down silos and promote interdisciplinary training and create partnerships through regional and national cooperation. A summary of the progress will be presented.