About the STD Program

Our Mission:  To prevent and control sexually transmitted diseases in partnership with the communities of Los Angeles County.

To accomplish our mission, the STD Program is committed to the following objectives:

• Epidemiological surveillance of STDs in Los Angeles County.

   

• The development and implementation of programs to promote safer sexual behaviors with populations in "at-risk" situations, in collaboration with healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and community members.  These programs include case management and partner services, community outreach services, community interventions, health campaigns, health education, and health provider training.

   

• The implementation of research projects to inform the design of programs and policies and evaluate their effectiveness in the community.

Our Vision:  A sexually healthy Los Angeles County.

With over 135 staff, the STD Program is organized into six divisions:  EPIDEMIOLOGY; INFORMATION SYSTEMS; NURSING AND CLINICAL CARE; FIELD SERVICES; POLICY, PLANNING AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT; and ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES.  Core program activities include STD surveillance; prevalence monitoring and epidemiological analysis; community-based awareness and education; professional education, training, and medical consultation; patient education and partner counseling; quality assurance and program evaluation; and research and policy analysis/development for key STD control areas, including access to care, diagnosis and treatment, quality of care, and partner services and notification.

Below are descriptions of current services:

• The Nursing and Clinical Unit provides consultation and education to clinicians and other health care providers in the public and private sectors on the diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and referral of patients with STDs. Other services provided include syphilis case record search and referrals. For more information call (213) 744-3106. STD Record Search/Provider Case Consultation available M-F 8am-5pm.
   

• The Health Education Unit works to increase the capacity of individuals, organizations and the community to prevent STDs, limit adverse physical and psychosocial consequences, and promote general sexual health. The unit provides free educational materials, conducts presentations and workshops for communities and professional staff, provides condoms to nonprofit agencies, and operates a 24-hour toll free STD hotline at 1-800-758-0880. Callers may receive clinic referrals, disease information, counseling, and free condoms through the mail. The hotline is automated 24/7; live health educators are available Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• The Partner Services Unit can assist HIV positive individuals with informing their sex partners or train providers to perform counseling and referral services for patients. Call (213) 744-3338 or (213) 744-3343 for more information.
   

• The STD Mobile Testing Unit is a 40 ft. long by 9 ft. wide van with many useful features, including a private exam/interview room. STD Program staff and community partners provide convenient, on-site STD/HIV screening, free of charge. Not only does the mobile clinic enable the STD Program to bring public health services to the people, respond swiftly to emergency situations, and coordinate with other County programs to deliver information and services, but it also provides community-based organizations with a tangible symbol of their commitment to combating the spread of STDs in the community. For more information, please call (213) 744-3369 or (323)-842-3420.

   

• STD morbidity data for Los Angeles County and STD Annual Reports are available from the Division of Epidemiology.  Call (213) 744-5966 for more information, or access reports by clicking here.