STD Prevention Program
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, result in excessive morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, particularly among women, adolescents, newborns, and men who have sex with men (MSM). The goal of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) STD Prevention Program is to prevent and control STDs. Six essential elements utilized in this effort include:
- community and individual behavior change
- quality assurance of medical and laboratory services
- partner services
- leadership and program management
- surveillance and data management
- training and professional development
Program Components
Surveillance
According to the Ohio Administrative Codes 3701-3-03 and 3701-3-04, cases of STDs are reportable by laboratories and healthcare providers to local health departments. Action is taken to ensure appropriate care and provide rapid follow-up for priority cases. These reports are then forwarded to ODH. Based on these reports, resources are targeted to the areas of greatest need.
Screening
Routine testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are offered to many high-risk patients seen by local health departments, private medical facilities, or other venues. The early treatment afforded to infected patients and their sex partners avoids the higher costs associated with the management of complications and prevents the spread of infection. The STD Prevention Program supports chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphlis screening with federal funds.
Treatment
The STD Prevention Program supplies medications at no charge for the treatment of STDs to eligible clinics that provide STD screening. The availability of medications is dependent upon funding through state and federal funds. STD medications are supplied to participating healthcare providers with the intention of ensuring that clients who cannot afford medication receive treatment for an STD. All treatment regimens must meet recommended guidelines published in the most current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Treatment Guidelines.
Interviewing and Case Finding
The ODH STD Prevention Program staff supplement local Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) in case management activities. Persons found infected with priority STDs and HIV are provided pertinent medical information regarding their infection, interviewed, and assisted with referral of their partners for appropriate examination and treatment; the end result being reduced transmission of infection.
Prevention and Education
The STD Prevention Program's prevention efforts complement those activities conducted by local public health departments, Infertility Prevention Project (IPP) sites, and other healthcare providers. Educational materials, condoms, statistical summaries, program and treatment guidelines, and other requested technical assistance are regularly provided by the STD Prevention Program.
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Are you at risk for STDs?
If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, you should be tested for STDs. You can call 1-800-332-2437 or visit your local health department for more information.
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Disease names link to CDC case definition if nationally notifiable.
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InSpot.org is an online anonymous partner notification system. Users can go to inspot.org and select e-cards that enable them to anonymously notify partners of their infection. The website also provides information on testing sites across the state.
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| This site contains STD prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. External links to other sites are intended to be informational and do not have the endorsement of the Ohio Department of Health. |
Last Updated: 01/31/2013
HIV, STD, AVH, TB Prevention and Control Program
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