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.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
