About RaHP VEC

The Rockies and High Plains Vector-borne diseases Center (RaHP VEC) aims to coordinate efforts to reduce the spread of mosquito-, tick- and flea-borne diseases in the Mountain West and High Plains. We aspire to improve prevention and control of vector-borne diseases in our region through:


Training 

Increase opportunities, improve and standardize training in vector-borne disease prevention and control for students and professionals in our region.

  • Conduct educational and workforce needs assessments and develop educational and training goals for students and professionals.
  • Train students for the workforce and provide professional development through certificate programs, webinars, workshops, practicums, mentorships, internships, and fellowships.
  • Provide training opportunities to students and professionals from underserved communities.

Partnerships

To accomplish our Train and Evaluation goals, effective partnerships will be established and strengthened between our regional academic institutions, public health agencies, and vector control/vector-borne disease professionals. Key components of our partnership goal are:

  • Funding internships and fellowships for students and professionals within these collaborating institutions. 
  • Hosting workshops and other training opportunities which can better address needs and knowledge gaps between partners.

Evaluation

Evaluate the impact and efficacy of approved vector-borne disease prevention and control tools, strategies and programs.

  • Evaluate the operational use and meaningful entomological outcomes of approved mosquito larvacides and adulticides from publicly funded and commercial West Nile virus control programs in our region. 
  • Evaluate and support integrated West Nile virus surveillance, vector control, and insecticide resistance monitoring within parts of our region, especially in underserved and high-risk areas.  
  • Evaluate vector-borne disease related health communication activities and products in our region.