Springfield-Greene County Health Department launches program to reduce sexually-transmitted diseases

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

In recognition of STI Awareness Month, Springfield-Greene County Health is announcing a new program and partnership with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (Missouri DHSS) to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Greene County. 

The new Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) program will take over case management for STI cases, previously completed by Missouri DHSS, among residents of Greene County. The program will also allow the Health Department to expand STI education and outreach in the community.

Focusing primarily on syphilis and HIV, the two specialists in the DIS program will reach out to people who test positive for these infections, connect them with treatment resources, and help identify and contact people who may have been exposed so they can get tested. Additionally, the DIS program includes a Community Health Advocate who will provide additional STI prevention education in the community and connect individuals to community resources to positively impact their health and welfare.

According to Missouri DHSS, there were more than 280 cases of syphilis reported in 2022, and 19 cases of HIV or AIDS reported in 2021 in Greene County. As of 2021, there were more than 450 people living in Greene County with an HIV or AIDS diagnosis.

 

Especially considering the high rate of STIs in Greene County, the Health Department encourages anyone who is sexually active to review the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations on their risks for contracting a sexually transmitted infection and the frequency of testing.

For more information on STIs, how to prevent them, a list of illnesses the Health Department tests for, and to sign up for free STI testing at the Health Department, head to health.springfieldmo.gov/STI or call 417-864-1684.