MCHD Epidemiologist joins national public health leaders at CSTE annual conference 6-8-26

June 8, 2026

MCHD Epidemiologist joins national public health leaders at CSTE annual conference

MOBILE, Ala. — Dr. Tommie Walker IV, Director of Data Analytics and Epidemiology at the Mobile County Health Department, recently attended the 2026 Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists Annual Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, alongside epidemiologists from the Alabama Department of Public Health and Jefferson County Department of Health.

The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, commonly known as CSTE, is a national organization that supports epidemiologists and public health agencies by strengthening surveillance, advancing applied epidemiology, and promoting evidence-based public health practice. The annual conference brings together public health professionals from across the country to share best practices, discuss emerging health threats, and strengthen the nation’s public health infrastructure.

This year’s conference theme, “A Beacon for Public Health: Epidemiology Guiding the Way for 75 Years and Beyond,” highlighted the critical role epidemiologists have played in protecting communities and guiding public health decision-making for generations.

Dr. Walker’s attendance reflects MCHD’s continued commitment to strengthening epidemiologic capacity, improving data-driven decision-making, and maintaining strong partnerships with local and state public health agencies. Collaboration with the Alabama Department of Public Health and Jefferson County Department of Health remains essential to advancing disease surveillance, outbreak response, data modernization, and public health preparedness across Alabama.

“Attending CSTE provides an important opportunity to learn from other epidemiologists and public health professionals across the country, collaborate with epidemiology partners, and bring back tested strategies that can strengthen public health practice in Mobile County,” said Dr. Walker. “Epidemiology remains essential to guiding public health action, and strong collaborative partnerships help ensure we are prepared to respond effectively to the needs of our communities.”

Through continued professional development and cross-agency collaboration, MCHD remains committed to using data, surveillance, and applied epidemiology to protect and improve the health of Mobile County residents.