Author: Kailee Curtis

Local Health Department

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infectious diseases that are passed from one person to another through intimate physical contact and sexual activity. Due to the large numbers of cases and the potential for serious health consequences, STIs are a nationwide public health problem. Local health departments work to control the spread of STIs through testing, treatment, prevention, and education.

Key Positions
Public Health Nurses
Laboratory Technicians
Program Coordinators
Public Health Physicians

In 2016, there were almost 62,000 new cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reported in Michigan.

Meets Public Health Standards:

ü	Michigan Public Health Code
ü	Michigan Local Public Health Accreditation
ü	Public Health Accreditation Board

Services:
Public health nurses and other local health department staff implement sexually transmitted infections programs that help ensure residents throughout Michigan receive prevention, testing, and treatment for a range of sexually transmitted diseases. Prompt identification of STIs is important to prevent the spread of disease. Serious health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and health complications for infants, can also result from STIs, so linking patients to treatment at either the health department or community partners is an essential function of STI programs.
Local health departments may conduct a variety of additional STI programs, such as health care provider education and site visits, school-based clinics, condom distribution, expedited partner therapy, and community education.

Funding Sources for Michigan Local Health Department STI Programs (n = 41 Local Health Departments*)

40

30

Number of Departments

20

Local appropriations

10

Millage

0

Medicare

Other grants

Fees

Medicaid

Funding Sources (can be multiple)

State grants

Other

Goals:
Sexually transmitted infections programs conducted by local health departments serve to prevent and control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases by:
Identifying cases through testing and reporting
Removing barriers, such as cost and access, to testing and treatment
Providing education to patients, health care providers, and the community
Ensuring timely reporting of cases to the state health department

Federal grants

Private insurance

Trends: From 2001-2016, Michigan cases of chlamydia have increased by 53%. Gonorrhea cases have decreased by 29% during this time period.

Created by the Barry-Eaton District Health Department for the Michigan Association of Local Public Health with funding from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. August 2018.
*41 out of 45 of Michigan’s local public health departments participated in the survey at least partially. Participants might not have answered each question.