introduction
The Delaware Public Health Laboratory (DPHL) serves as the state’s central hub for public health testing and research. Established in 1899, DPHL provides accurate and timely data, information, and consultation to protect and enhance the health of Delaware residents. Through its central location in Smyrna, Delaware, and the use of advanced technologies, the lab is uniquely positioned to deliver same-day services throughout the state.
the challenge
The Delaware Public Health Laboratory plays a vital role in protecting communities by testing for infectious diseases, environmental threats, and other public health risks. Following COVID-19, the DPHL sought to expand its infrastructure and improve its spaces to better support these efforts. Recognizing the importance of collaboration and staff well-being, the lab looked to invest in multipurpose spaces with AV systems that would enhance workplace culture and strengthen partnerships with federal and local health organizations.
the solution
Since 2009, Assurance Media has served as a trusted advisor to the Delaware Public Health Laboratory, helping to evolve its infrastructure through the integration of reliable control systems and adaptable content delivery solutions, including Crestron Control and Crestron DM NVX® AV-over-IP technology. While the lab’s initial focus centered on addressing security priorities, Assurance Media ushered in the adoption of advanced videoconferencing solutions that significantly enhanced operational efficiency and supported the lab’s expanding role in public health.
the technology
The Delaware Public Health Laboratory implemented workplace and cultural improvements designed to foster collaboration, reduce staff turnover, and reinforce its mission. To support and maintain vital communication with federal agencies such as the CDC, EPA, and FDA, as well as local partners, the DPHL invested in a dedicated gathering space aimed to foster collaboration and reduce staff turnover in a high-stress environment. Recognizing the need for both internal meetings and external communication, the lab required a space capable of hosting virtual engagements with federal and local partners to share findings, provide training, and coordinate public health responses. The space also functions as a backup emergency operations center, enabling unified or breakout collaboration during public health crises and recommendations to protect public health.
To meet these demands, two adjacent rooms were combined to make a divisible conference space to maximize flexibility with an internal meeting area within a facility, where 80% of the footprint is dedicated to sterile lab space. Reliability and usability were paramount when designing this space for lab staff. The lab is in an area where power outages are common. Crestron Control and the DM NVX platform provide a strong backbone that allows the team to replace unreliable components and maintain the integrity of the system in emergencies. This robust infrastructure enables the lab to fully utilize the non-sterile building space for hybrid meetings, trainings, and morale events. An intuitive 7” touch screen ensures that both staff and visiting partners can easily operate the system without technical assistance.
With the integration of AirMedia® wireless collaboration systems, the lab successfully balanced ease of use with strict network security requirements, enabling both wired HDMI® connectivity and wireless BYOD connectivity without compromising sensitive systems. This seamless, secure sharing capability marked a significant advancement in supporting the lab’s collaborative and operational goals, which could include users such as internal staff or visiting partners from federal agencies or local health organizations.
the results
Powered by Crestron solutions, this multipurpose space delivered a user-friendly yet powerful system that functions seamlessly without the need for dedicated AV or IT staff. This space brings an essential addition to DPHL to enable a fully integrated, flexible collaboration space that can be tailored to the staff’s unique needs.
