The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #44490

Michelle Larro, MA¹, C. Kevin Malotte, DrPH², Typhanye Penniman, MPH¹, Matthew Hogben, PhD³, Janet S St. Lawrence, PhD⁴, Nancy L. VanDevanter, DrPH⁵, Susan Middlestadt, PhD⁶, and James W. Gaines, BS¹. (1) Community Health and Social Epidemiology Programs, California State University, Long Beach, 5500 Atherton Street, Suite 400, Long Beach, CA 90815, 5629852178, mlarro@csulb.edu, (2) Health Science Department, California State University, Long Beach, 5500 Atherton Street, Suite 400, Long Beach, CA 90815, (3) Behavioral Intervention and Research Branch, DSTDP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-44, Altanta, GA 30333, (4) Behavioral Interventions Research Branch, Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-44, Atlanta, GA 30333, (5) Center for Applied Public Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168 St, New York, NY 10032, (6) Academy for Educational Development, 1825 Connecticut Ave NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20009

Background: Gonorrhea (GC) and chlamydia (CT) infections are often asymptomatic and can lead to serious sequelae. Formative research revealed that many adolescents and young adults harbor misconceptions about these diseases and are unaware of the availability of non-invasive urine tests. Urine testing would be accepted, however, as long as tests were convenient and safe. Objectives: An outreach office (The Positive S.O.U.R.C.E.) was developed to increase awareness of the prevalence and impact of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), particularly on adolescents and young adults in Los Angeles County. Methods: The office opened in Fall 1999, providing free services including STD information and urine screening for GC and CT, condoms, and workshops on STDs and HIV/AIDS, pregnancy prevention, and drug abuse prevention. Computers with word processing, internet access, and SAT preparation software, as well as college and job information and applications were also offered along with a variety of other services. Results: From November 2000 through January 2001, 1,802 visits were documented, including 341 from new guests. A total of 58 urine tests (17% of new clients) were provided; 4 clients (7% of those tested) tested positive and were treated for either GC or CT. The number of youth accessing services has steadily increased with approximately 10 – 15 youth now visiting daily. Conclusions: Although not easy, it is possible to develop an outreach office that targets the population desired and offers STD testing, information, and other needed services. Time, effort, and collaboration with other local organizations, businesses, and schools increase the chances of success.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to identify the components of developing a CBO and track the history of a new program.

Keywords: Adolescents, STD

Related Web page: www.positivesource-gcap.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.