Our Goal
The STD Prevention Program has as its primary goal the reduction and prevention of the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infection.
How We Are Funded
The STD Prevention Program is supported through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State funding.
What We Do
The STD Prevention Program provides statewide consultation and technical assistance, partner services, screening, surveillance, and health care provider education.
Consultation and Technical Assistance
The STD Prevention Program provides consultation and technical assistance in planning, conducting, and evaluating prevention activities, including quality assurance procedures for health care providers. The Virginia Epidemiology Response Team provides onsite assistance to local health departments experiencing increases in STDs including initiatives and strategies specific to the Syphilis Elimination Program.
Partner Services
Local health departments receive assistance and support in the intervention and prevention of STD and HIV infections from the STD Prevention Program through the provision of Health Counselor services. Health Counselors conduct individual interviews and counseling sessions to identify at-risk individuals, to inform individuals of their exposure or infection, to provide assistance in accessing adequate medical care, and to reduce re-infection. The Virginia Epidemiology Response Team is deployed to assist local health departments.
Screening
Diagnostic and therapeutic services are supported through a contract with the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services and the provision of laboratory testing supplies to local health departments. Gonorrhea screening services are conducted in all public health clinics and selective private health care settings. The Chlamydia Prevention Program conducts screening services in all public health STD, family planning and prenatal clinics. In addition, patients are offered confidential HIV counseling and testing at the time of the public health prevention services visit. Community screening activities are initiated in areas that have reported high rates for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia as part of the outbreak response plan.
Surveillance
The STD Prevention Program monitors the reporting practices of laboratories and providers to ensure prompt and comprehensive reporting of STDs. The Central Registry Unit functions as the liaison for receipt and communication of laboratory and case reports that require follow-up by public health staff.