POSSE (Prevent Ongoing Spread of STDs Everywhere)
An Effective Practice
This practice has been Archived and is no longer maintained.
Description
The POSSE (Prevent Ongoing Spread of STDs Everywhere) Program of Forsyth County, North Carolina addresses STD prevention for racial and ethnic minorities who are 20-49 years of age. In Forsyth County, HIV and other STDs, especially syphilis, are demographically and geographically associated with lower socioeconomic status and negative health behaviors such as crack use and prostitution. POSSE responds to the needs of the community by offering HIV and Syphilis testing, education, and outreach in non-traditional, off-site venues appropriate for the community at-risk.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the POSSE program is to increase STD awareness, prevention skills, and testing among racial and ethnic minorities.
Results / Accomplishments
Each year health department staff test approximately 400 individuals for HIV and syphilis at non-traditional sites (i.e. outside the Health Department). Additionally, the health department offers prevention education and outreach to 4800 individuals with 80% or more being African American or Hispanic. The key outcomes have been an increase in collaboration with other agencies, including the medical center. The program also has a higher positivity rate than the STD Clinic and clients tend to admit more high-risk behavior than STD Clinic clients.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Forsyth County Department of Public Health
Primary Contact
No current contact information available
Topics
Health / Immunizations & Infectious Diseases
Health / Wellness & Lifestyle
Health / Wellness & Lifestyle
Organization(s)
Forsyth County Department of Public Health
Source
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
Date of publication
2005
Location
Forsyth County, NC
For more details
Target Audience
Racial/Ethnic Minorities