Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Collaboration Project

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

​The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affects individuals from diverse backgrounds and demographic groups, but certain subpopulations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), substance users, pregnant women, communities in high desert areas, and at-risk youth, are disproportionately impacted in San Bernardino County (SBC). In an effort to address these issues, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (SBCDPH) launched the STD Collaboration Project in October 2021. This project aims to promote effective and innovative STD prevention and control measures by embedding DIS staff within Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that primarily serve the most at-risk populations in SBC. In 2022, the team has reported investigating and closing out approximately 2,300 cases. Of those, 1,568 were confirmed or probable closed cases, 829 cases were Hispanic/Latino, 297 were Black/African American, 13 were among pregnant women, and 407 were among MSM. Due to the success of the STD Collaboration Project, there are plans to expand services to the County Hospital’s Emergency Department and Detention Center in efforts to capture newly diagnosed STD cases and limit the spread of STDs, such as syphilis and HIV, in the community.