Online Program

284904
Not just “sex police”: Utilizing community-embedded disease intervention specialists to mobilize STD prevention and control in south los angeles


Tuesday, November 5, 2013 : 8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

Francisco Reyes, California Family Health Council, Los Angeles, CA
Celia Hernandez, California Family Health Council, Los Angeles, CA
Michelle Cantu, MPH, California Family Health Council, Los Angeles, CA
Jenna Gaarde, California Family Health Council, Los Angeles, CA
The notification and treatment of sex partners of an STD-infected person is a key strategy for STD prevention and control. Traditionally the Los Angeles County Division of HIV and STD Programs (DHSP) has worked independently of health agencies and clinical staff or within a single clinic site. California Family Health Council (CFHC), in partnership with DHSP, has implemented an innovative approach to facilitate partner management at multiple clinic sites located in South Los Angeles, afflicted by 40% of all Los Angeles County gonorrhea (GC) cases. Building upon the successful Community-Embedded Disease Intervention Specialist (CEDIS) syphilis program at a Los Angeles community clinic, CFHC hired two CEDIS to work with multiple clinics and community-based organizations located in South Los Angeles. Their role is to follow up with all GC- positive patients to ensure proper treatment, and identify their sexual partner(s) and networks. This approach is particularly critical, given the socioeconomic and racial/ ethnic disparities often experienced by STD-positive members in this population. In addition, the CEDIS work with community partners to leverage existing efforts and to link nontraditional partners from various sectors with the Los Angeles STD control plan. In this session we will discuss innovative approaches to partner elicitation, working with high-risk populations, identifying sexual networks, and building capacity within the community to enhance STD prevention and control.

Learning Areas:

Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control

Learning Objectives:
Identify three unique approaches to enhance partner elicitation. Discuss barriers when working with high risk populations. Describe multidisciplinary approaches to STD prevention and control.

Keyword(s): STD, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am, and have been, 1 of the 2 community-embedded disease intervention specialists for the program and focus area discussed in this abstract. In addition, I am certified to conduct HIV and STD intervention interviews with HIV and STD positive patients.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.