Focused provider education and training regarding testing timelines and importance. Provider posters were provided for provider areas to promote "Think Syphilis" campaign for awareness.
SOA Public Information Office, HIV/STD DIS, and community partners (ANMC, Providence, Alaska Regional, Municipality of Anchorage, etc)
MSM/Homeless/IDU populations
To curb the ongoing syphilis increases within AK, with special emphasis on reducing/eliminating congenital syphilis cases. By bringing syphilis to the forefront of providers minds, and familiarizing them with signs/symptoms, we hope to increase testing volume and adequate tx for identified infections.
Please provide specific outcomes if possible, such as # or people served, # or % of reaching XYZ outcome, etc.
Ongoing; Currently provider posters have been placed in at least a dozen provider areas, and provider education presentations continue as the opportunities present themselves. Daily conversations and education of providers occurs through DIS interactions, as well as targeted presentations for groups and organizations presented by department staff.
Lack of provider education/familiarity
Leverage your interactions with your community partners. Be available to offer information and assistance as needed, and be sincere and amiable in your efforts.
If this is not applicable to your health department, type NA.
NA
Currently testing in jails is limited, but good working relationships with community partners definitely helps facilitate interactions as needed. Increased funding availability would definitely assist in implementation of standardized testing programs within correctional institutions.