Developing An STD Testing Program for High Risk Populations: What Do We Know?

In 2007, using surveillance data, focus groups, and experience from earlier attempts to promote STD testing among high risk youth, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) developed “I Know,” a social marketing campaign to promote CT and GC testing among young women of color in high morbidity areas. Messages and images of the campaign emphasized empowerment and self-determination--key STD sequelae that had shown impact in focus groups-- as well as ease and security of testing. This media campaign – including the campaign website -- formed the foundation of the home test kit program.