Stopping Gonorrhea in Its Tracks: Creating Partnerships with High Reporting Clinics in South Los Angeles

Background:  The majority of STD cases in Los Angeles County (LAC) are reported beyond just STD clinics. In South LA and surrounding areas, gonorrhea (GC) rates are among the highest in LAC. In South LA alone, 56% of women and 30% of men aged 15-24 tested GC positive in 2014. Engaging a diverse range of clinics in STD Prevention and Control efforts is critical to addressing the disproportionate STD rates in South LA.

Methods:  Utilizing LAC morbidity data, the California Family Health Council (CFHC) identified the top 50 GC case reporting clinics in South LA. CFHC was especially interested in working with clinics not connected to existing STD control efforts. This excluded LAC STD clinics, Title X health centers, and LAC Division of HIV and STD Programs’ funded sites. Clinics were offered a program evaluation including a chart audit and staff presentation incorporating best practices in STD Prevention and Control.

Results:  Since January 2013, CFHC has worked with over 20 clinics in South LA. All sites agreed to an STD presentation for clinical staff, and about half agreed to an STD positive chart audit. 86% of patients were treated in 30 days or less and of those treated within that time frame, 13% were treated in 2 weeks or less. Regarding treatment, 33% of patients were treated onsite and 51% were treated through a prescription and onsite.

Conclusions:  CFHC provided technical assistance to address specific needs and continue to serve as a resource for locating patients and ensuring proper GC treatment. CFHC identified that many clinics are treating patients with the recommended treatment but preventing further transmission could be improved by providing the full recommended treatment onsite. By providing partner services for GC positive patients through these partnerships, an informal network of clinics invested in providing quality sexual and reproductive health care was created.