Outreach Program Effectively Screening in "Hot Spots" of Baltimore City

Background:
Baltimore led the nation in 1997 in the rate of Primary and Secondary Syphilis. Despite significant progress in decreasing the prevalence of syphilis from 1998-2002 the rates were still significantly above the national level. The Baltimore City Outreach Program was formed and has been in existence since 2004. The Outreach team started with approximately three outreach workers. Currently it has transformed into a team of five full-time Outreach Workers and a combination of other programmatic and contracted employees during evening and weekend hours.

Objective:
To utilize a team of Outreach Workers to provide Syphilis and HIV screening to high-risk individuals located in “hot spots” in the community, identified through Syphilis and HIV case investigations.

Method:
The mission of the Outreach Program is to counsel and test individuals in high-risk communities for HIV and Syphilis. It had become increasingly important to tailor those services and venture out into the community. The staff utilized an unmarked cargo van that could easily maneuver high-risk areas and custom designed RV for larger and evening events. Data was obtained from our two STD Clinics to identify high-risk areas and use the vans to assist in counseling and testing activities.

Result:
During the first twelve months of screening, the outreach team tested 8,179 individuals. Currently, 16,456 individuals were screened from June 1, 2006 and May 31, 2007. Positive test rates as a result of this testing will be described.

Conclusion:
Utilizing outreach efforts for screening proved to have a tremendous positive impact on disease prevention.

Implications:
Health Department outreach is an effective tool in disease prevention.