The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73794

Susan DeLisle, ARNP, MPH, Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E27, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404 639-8315, syd4@cdc.gov

In areas of the U.S. reporting the greatest number of early syphilis cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) in 2002, programmatic response has been multi-level and multi-factorial. Response has involved Federal, State, and Local public health agencies as well as many community organizations. Federal activities have focused on epidemiologic, ethnographic, behavioral, and program assessments and data analysis. In addition, technical, personnel and financial assistance to the eight areas hardest hit by resurgence of syphilis in this population has been provided. At the local level, a variety of interventions have been initiated consistent with the five strategies outlined in the National Plan to Eliminate Syphilis: Enhanced Surveillance, Community Involvement and Organizational Partnerships. This portion of the panel presentation will focus on lessons learned from the federally coordinated program assessments and rapid response team deployments as well as describe the perceived effectiveness of various interventions conducted at the local level. Local interventions that will be discussed include use of mass media campaigns, effectiveness of outreach screening and treatment efforts, expanded clinical services in private providers and public agencies, and new interventions on the internet to educate and notify potentially exposed partners.

Learning Objectives:

• In areas of the U.S. reporting the greatest number of early syphilis cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) in 2002, programmatic response has been multi-level and multi-factorial. Response has involved Federal, State, and Local public health agencies as well as many community organizations. Federal activities have focused on epidemiologic, ethnographic, behavioral, and program assessments and data analysis. In addition, technical, personnel and financial assistance to the eight areas hardest hit by resurgence of syphilis in this population has been provided. At the local level, a variety of interventions have been initiated consistent with the five strategies outlined in the National Plan to Eliminate Syphilis: Enhanced Surveillance, Community Involvement and Organizational Partnerships. This portion of the panel presentation will focus on lessons learned from the federally coordinated program assessments and rapid response team deployments as well as describe the perceived effectiveness of various interventions conducted at the local level. Local interventions that will be discussed include use of mass media campaigns, effectiveness of outreach screening and treatment efforts, expanded clinical services in private providers and public agencies, and new interventions on the internet to educate and notify potentially exposed partners.

Keywords: Sexual Behavior,

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.