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Since 2010, Wisconsin has allowed
expedited partner therapy, in which health care workers prescribe and dispense
treatment, without an in-person evaluation, to the partners of patients who have
chlamydia and gonorrhea.
“Part of cutting down on those
re-infection rates is treating the partners, which is a big barrier to care,”
said Sarah Bleything, a physician-assistant and infection-control officer at
Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers in Milwaukee. “It’s really
forward-thinking for infection control and prevention.”
Milwaukee’s free STD screening
facility, Keenan Central Health Clinic, delivers treatment to people’s homes
and to young people who might not want parents involved, said Vanessa Vann, a
disease specialist with the city Health Department. Vann follows up, sometimes
with house calls, to ensure people who test positive for STDs and their sexual
partners receive treatment. The city Health Department also works with some
schools to treat those testing positive for STDs.
“The same behavior that can lead to
unplanned pregnancy can also lead to many STIs,” said Nicole Angresano, vice
president of community impact at United Way of Greater Milwaukee. United Way
supports “Making Proud Choices,” a curriculum offered in community centers and
city Boys & Girls Clubs that teaches youths about STDs, their transmission
and prevention, and correct condom use.
For more information about testing,
visit the Milwaukee Health Department site: http://city.milwaukee.gov/STD-HIV-AIDS.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
