Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention
STI Prevention Program
The goal of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) STD Prevention Program is to prevent and control STIs. Six essential elements utilized in this effort include: community and individual behavior change, quality assurance of medical and laboratory services, partner services, leadership and program management, surveillance and data management, and training and professional development.
Program Components
Surveillance
According to the Ohio Administrative Codes 3701-3-03 and 3701-3-04, cases of STIs are reportable by laboratories and healthcare providers to local health departments. Action is taken to ensure appropriate care and provide rapid follow-up for priority cases. These reports are then forwarded to ODH. Based on these reports, resources are focused to the areas of greatest need.
Screening
Routine testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are offered to many high-risk patients seen by local health departments, private medical facilities, or other venues. The early treatment afforded to infected patients and their sex partners avoids the higher costs associated with the management of complications and prevents the spread of infection. The STI Prevention Program supports chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphlis screening with federal funds.
Treatment
The STI Prevention Program supplies medications at no charge for the treatment of STIs to eligible clinics that provide STI testing. The availability of medications is dependent upon funding through state and federal funds. STI medications are supplied to participating healthcare providers with the intention of ensuring that clients who cannot afford medication receive treatment for an STI. All treatment regimens must meet recommended guidelines published in the most current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Treatment Guidelines.
Interviewing and Case Finding
The ODH STI Prevention Program staff supplement local Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) in case management activities. Persons found infected with priority STIs and HIV are provided pertinent medical information regarding their infection, interviewed, and assisted with referral of their partners for appropriate examination and treatment; the end result being reduced transmission of infection.
Prevention and Education
The STI Prevention Program's prevention efforts complement those activities conducted by local public health departments and other healthcare providers. Educational materials, condoms, statistical summaries, program and treatment guidelines, and other requested technical assistance are regularly provided by the STI Prevention Program. Local public health departments and other healthcare providers can request technical assistance in the form of materials or in-person training by contacting us.
Local Resources:
For additional information you may contact the STI Prevention Program:
Mailing Address:
Ohio Department of Health
STI Prevention Program
246 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 995-5599
Fax: (614) 387-2602
This site contains STI prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. External links to other sites are intended to be informational and do not have the endorsement of the Ohio Department of Health.