About Us: Epidemiology & Laboratory Capacity Program

Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, Saipan

The CHCC ELC Program is dedicated to enhancing the detection, prevention, and response to infectious diseases in the Northern Mariana Islands. With the support of federal funding, including a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CHCC is building a stronger public health infrastructure to protect the community from emerging health threats.

Advancements

• Epidemiology Program Expansion
• Health Information Systems Development

Key Initiatives

• Syndromic Surveillance System: This system will collect, analyze, and share data to identify and respond to potential outbreaks quickly. By improving the timeliness of disease detection and reporting, it will enable CHCC and partner agencies, like the Guam Department of Public Health, to react swiftly to public health threats.
• Enhanced Laboratory Capacity: The ELC program aims to hire qualified lab personnel and procure essential equipment to conduct microbiology exams and tissue processing, ensuring comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
• Collaboration and Reporting: Findings from the ELC program will be shared with the CNMI’s CHCC ELC governance team, Guam public health officials, and other stakeholders, fostering regional collaboration and improved public health outcomes.

Looking ahead for a safer, healthier CNMI

With continued support from the CDC and future funding, CHCC hopes to expand the program, acquire additional laboratory equipment, and hire more personnel to bolster its ability to combat infectious diseases. The ELC program’s goal is to create a safer, healthier CNMI by building the capacity to detect, track, and respond to public health emergencies with efficiency and precision.