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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Janet S. Howard, BA, Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support, 250 South 4th Street, Room 510, Minneapolis, MN 55415, 612-673-3735, janet.howard@ci.minneapolis.mn.us and Gretchen Musicant, RN, MPH, Minneapolis Department of Health & Family Support, 250 South 4th Street South - Room 510, Minneapolis, MN 55415.
Minneapolis has some of the highest disparities related to sexually transmitted infections in the country. Two years ago, the Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support began meeting with community clinic providers on the north side of Minneapolis, county and state public health officials to promote the urine test to test for gonorrhea and chlamydia in men. Through monthly communication, agencies began to assess the feasibility of incorporating the urine test into their clinical practices as a way to get more men tested and treated. Over time, all of the five clinics involved in the collaborative now provide the urine test. The community partners have gone on to collaborate in other ways such as developing a communications plan to address sexually transmitted infections on the northside of Minneapolis,access grant funds for testing from the Minnesota Department of Health, and apply jointly for private foundation support.
Agencies have been able to lay aside their turf issues and work together for the common good. Through monthly meetings expertise is shared, creative strategies are employed, and all agencies are able to bring different resources to the table. Through a common focus and message, better coordination is resulting in a united campaign to better address STI’s in north Minneapolis.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Community Collaboration,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.