 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Michelle Allen, BA1, Veronica Hartwell, MSW1, Elijah D. Cameron, BA, MS1, Korede Akinbami, BS2, Coti Perez-Ezpinoza, BA1, Ruby Hardy, BA1, Sheena Pope-Holland, BA, MSW1, Anthony Lomax1, and David Fisher1. (1) Georgia Syphilis Elimination Project, Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, 99 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, 3rd Floor, Suite E, Atlanta, GA 30303, 404-730-1506, mlallen2@dhr.state.ga.us, (2) Georgia Syphilis Elimination Project, Fulton County Department Health and Wellness, 99 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, 3rd Floor, Suite E, Atlanta, GA 30303
Background: In 2000, Georgia had 393 cases of Primary and Secondary Syphilis. Currently, Georgia is ranked 6th in the nation; however, Fulton County (Atlanta) accounts for more than 50% of the syphilis morbidity in the state. The national rate of infectious syphilis is 30 times higher for African Americans than for white Americans. The Latino community had an increase among males.
Objectives: (1) Provide accessible and timely client centered counseling, screening, and treatment services in high morbidity areas and potential re-emergence areas. (2) Provide free HIV and syphilis testing in conjunction with Radio One, the largest African American owned and operated broadcast company in the nation. (3) Collaborate with Community Based Organizations in high morbidity areas to increase testing and provide education.
Methods: The Mobile Unit was used in areas of high syphilis incidence to provide education and intervention through screening and early detection. Radio One initiated Operation WAVE (the War Against the Virus is Escalating) a community outreach program to increase HIV testing in African American communities by giving concert tickets as incentives for testing.
Results: Approximately 250 people were screened for Syphilis, HIV, and TB.From March 2001-September 2001 (8) people tested positive for HIV (12) people tested positive for Syphilis (8) had positive PPD tests.
Conclusions: Free testing in resource poor communities with high disease morbidity is essential to syphilis elimination efforts. Collaboration with non-health agencies, i.e. Radio One allows the community to receive the prevention message through public service announcements.
Learning Objectives: To demonstrate the use of strengthen community involvement and organizational partnerships in high morbidity areas and the Latino community.
Learning Objectives:
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.