Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to understand the benefits and drawbacks of the “train the trainer” program in a local health department.

Background:
The success of the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) “Immunizations from A to Z” (A to Z) trainings has led to the initiation of a county satellite program. Immunization health educators conduct this five-hour training to health care workers on current practices, recommendations, and tools. This presentation is offered in all 94 Indiana counties, including: health departments, hospitals, private clinics, and students.

Objectives:
To increase county involvement in immunization education by increasing the frequency and availability of trainings to an isolated area. Local contribution serves to improve public and private immunization practices and develop a local resource network.

Methods:
The educators recognized the enthusiasm of Vanderburgh County Nurses to become involved in the “A to Z” training. Active communication of the educators' expectations to the county nurses enabled training via phone and email, providing immediate access to revised materials. Direct financial costs were assumed by ISDH for materials and shipping. ISDH immunization health educators evaluated and supported the county nurses' trainings. The maintenance of the satellite program includes a bi-annual review.

Results:
Vanderburgh and surrounding counties are at a geographically hard-to-reach area at the southwestern tip of Indiana and now has more frequent access to immunization education. The satellite program offers the uniform “A to Z” training and has been a benefit to Vanderburgh County Health Department (VCHD) and the surrounding medical community.

Conclusions:
In order to educate larger numbers of immunization health care workers, the initiation of a local satellite program was necessary. The success of the ISDH and VCHD collaboration strengthens the educational initiatives of the “A to Z” course.