Disease Outbreak Reporting Project

CORI teams up with local meteorologists to broadcast weekly disease reports on television, delivering region specific updates on respiratory viruses, vector-borne diseases, and other public health threats.  

This initiative aims to enhance public awareness and preparedness by delivering tailored health insights directly to communities through trusted local news channels. 

To receive the weekly disease forecast follow us on LinkedIn.  

Our Partners 

We work closely with these trusted local TV stations and meteorologists to broadcast public health information to communities as part of their normal weathercasts. 

WBZ Boston 

Since February 2024, weekly segments based on CORI reports have aired on WBZ-Boston, covering topics such as seasonal respiratory viruses, vector-borne diseases, and other public health threats. WBZ-Boston, a CBS network-owned and operated station, serves the Boston-Manchester television market, which is the 9th largest in the United States according to Nielsen Media Research. The station’s coverage includes nearly all of Massachusetts (excluding the four westernmost counties and Bristol County), as well as six southern counties in New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont. 

KDKA Pittsburgh 

Since September 2024, weekly segments based on CORI reports have aired on KDKA-Pittsburgh, covering seasonal respiratory viruses. KDKA, a CBS-owned and operated station, serves the Pittsburgh television market, which ranks as the 26th largest in the United States according to Nielsen Media Research. The station’s coverage includes the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area, reaching audiences across western Pennsylvania, parts of Ohio, and northern West Virginia. 

Opportunity to Partner 

Who:  Local TV Stations - Meteorologists 

What: We’re working with local meteorologists to deliver vital weekly updates on public health threats. Together, we can equip communities with the knowledge needed for informed decisions about their health and safety

How: Interested in partnering? Fill out this Interest Form  

 Disease Report Broadcasts 

CORI is partnering with a major national employer to analyze workforce-specific absenteeism data in the context of local respiratory illness outbreaks. This data-driven collaboration enhances health system management and staff messaging during peak seasons for COVID-19, flu, and RSV, thereby, helping to protect employee health, reduce absenteeism, and ensure operational continuity.  

Our Partner 

We are in the early stages of partnering with one of the nation’s largest healthcare employers. Over the next 2 years, we will work together to analyze employee absenteeism data, local respiratory disease incidence data and messaging. This analysis will help protect employee health, reduce absenteeism, and maintain operational continuity during illness seasons.  Based on this work, we hope to replicate this approach with other large employers thereby supporting a healthier workforce and strengthening preparedness nationwide.  

Process 

1. Data Sharing and Analysis: 

The employer provides data on absenteeism, illness reasons, and internal communications related to diseases like flu and COVID-19. CORI analyzes this data to develop strategies that help reduce illness-related disruptions. 
 

2. Developing Better Health Messaging: 

We craft targeted, easy-to-understand health messages to ensure employees are well-informed and likely to comply with health guidelines. This leads to better health outcomes and fewer sick days. 
 

3. Evaluating and Refining Strategies: 

We assess how these strategies reduce absenteeism and maintain operational efficiency during illness seasons. Based on real-time data, we adjust and improve communication and HR approaches for future health challenges. 

Benefits to Employer 

This partnership leverages advanced modeling and analytics to improve employee health management by: 

• Maximize Operational Efficiency: Use data to predict and manage absenteeism during respiratory illness seasons to maintain smooth operations. 
• Improve Health Communications: Tailored messaging for different employee groups increases compliance with health guidelines and reduces illness-related absenteeism. 
• Prepare for Future Emergencies: Establish a framework to handle both routine and emergency health crises. 

Opportunity to Partner 

 Who: Large Employers 

What: We work with large employers to provide workforce-specific infectious disease analysis. This collaboration helps employers protect employee health, reduce absenteeism, and maintain smooth operations during peak illness seasons

How: Ready to collaborate? Fill out our interest form here to explore how our partnership can improve workforce health and operational resilience