New Orleans, Louisiana: STD/HIV Response Task Force Efforts

Gray, Terri

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Galleria Exhibit Hall

Terri Gray, BS, MEHCM, STD/HIV Program, Louisiana Department of Health- Office of Public Health, New Orleans, LA, Joy Ewell, BS, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health-STD/HIV Program, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, New Orleans, LA, Javone Davis Charles, MPH, STD/HIV Program, State of Louisiana Office of Public Health, New Orleans, LA, Avis Gray, MSN, La. DHH/OPH Region 1, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospital, Office of Public Health, New Orleans, LA, Michael Carter, BS, STD/HIV Program, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, New Orleans, LA, Mohammad Rahman, PhD, MBBS, MPH, STD/HIV Program, Louisiana Office of Public Health, New Orleans, LA and DeAnn Gruber, PhD, LCSW, Louisiana Office of Public Health STD/HIV Program, New Orleans, LA

Background: According to the 2014 CDC Surveillance Report, Louisiana ranked 2^ndin the nation for primary and secondary syphilis (P&S) case rates. From 2012 to 2014, P&S syphilis case rates more than tripled in the New Orleans Public Health Region, specifically Orleans and Jefferson parishes with 58% of these cases co-infected with HIV. In July 2013, the Shreveport Public Health Region convened a Syphilis Response Task Force and the outcome of these efforts reduced P&S syphilis case rates by 21% from 2013 to 2014 and continue to show a decrease in rates.

Methods: Recognizing the accomplishment in Shreveport, in 2015, the Louisiana’s STD Response Model was adapted to operate in the New Orleans Regional area. This effort included convening a regional STD/HIV Task Force comprised of community and government leaders, public and private healthcare providers, and faith- and community-based organizations. A Strategic Plan of Action was created to increase awareness and knowledge among healthcare providers and the community at large.

Results: STD/HIV informational presentations have been conducted during grand rounds/in-services in major hospitals. Educational presentations were conducted during provider outreach sessions for FQHC’s/CHC’s and medical groups. A media campaign was developed which include newly designed and printed STD posters. A 30-second radio public service announcement was broadcasted on multiple stations during STD Awareness Month. A “Syphilis Public Health Alert Letter” was developed and distributed to local hospitals and more than 59,000 Louisiana state licensed nurses and private physicians. The Task Force was established in August 2015 and between August and December, there was a 10% decrease in diagnosed P&S syphilis cases, compared to cases that were diagnosed during the same period in 2014.

Conclusions: Private and public partnerships are emerging as Task Force members collaborate with community partners in joint efforts to address the astounding rates of syphilis and HIV.

THP 81 New Orleans, Louisiana: STD/HIV Response Task Force Efforts