Program Goals

This program is intended to service clients without financial resources to pay for testing or treatment; however, no individual will be refused service.  Individuals requesting service will be screened for possible testing and treatment eligibility, as well as educated regarding STI's.  Partners of individuals found to be positive for a reportable STI will be notified in a confidential manner by a public health nurse of their exposure.  Identities of the source individuals will be kept anonymous.  Primary prevention based on the identification of individuals whose behaviors place them at risk, and education to change those sexual behaviors.

In some rural areas the health department may not be able to provide diagnosis and/or treatment on site for a client, due to a physician or nurse practitioner not being available.  In those instances appropriate referrals will be made by the public health nurse.

All individuals found to be at risk for HIV through a health assessment will be encouraged to receive HIV testing and counseling at a referral site.

Objectives

1. To reduce the incidence of STI's among residents of Tuscola County.
2. To make available comprehensive STI services to persons with economic or other access problems who are unable to secure comparable services.
3. To avert the incidence of sterility as a sequelae to STI's.
4. To provide high quality and individualized care consistent with the unique needs of each person participating in the program.
5. To educate the general public toward an understanding of STI's.

General Information

What is STI?

STI stands for sexually-transmitted infections.  Every year more than 12 million cases are reported in the United States.  Because the infections often cause few or no symptoms and may go untreated, women are at risk for complications from STIs, including ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and poor pregnancy outcomes.  STIs include Chlamydia, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Gonorrhea, HIV, Herpes Simplex Virus, Human Papillomavirus, and Syphilis.

Condom Effectiveness and Reliability

When used consistently and correctly, latex condoms are very effective in preventing a variety of STIs, including HIV infection.  Multiple studies have demonstrated a strong protective effect of condom use.  Because condoms are regulated as medical devices, they are subject to random testing by the Food and Drug Administration.  Every latex condom manufactured in the United States is tested electronically for holes before packaging.  Condom breakage rates are low in the United States, no higher than 2 per 100 condoms used.  Most cases of condom failure probably result from incorrect or inconsistent use.

Description of Services

• The Tuscola County Health Department provides a comprehensive STI program in a way that protects the client's dignity, privacy, and confidentiality.
• All services are provided despite race, religion, age, sex, or disabilities.
• The STI Clinic provides each client with a risk assessment
• The client has an intake interview with a certified nurse practitioner or an R.N. who has had training in the education/treatment of STIs.  
• HIV counseling and referrals for testing.
• Clinic also tests and treats syphilis, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia, under discretion of practitioner.
• Community outreach is done through public presentation at schools, the courts, other public agencies such as Mental Health, and participation on the Family Planning Advisory Committee.

Eligibility for Services

STI education and information are to be made generally available to all Michigan citizens.

Cost of Services

Priority in the provisions of medical and social services must be given to high risk individuals.

Hours of Service

Appointments are preferred to receive services, please call 673-8114, Ext. 103
Walk-ins will be accepted as time allows

Contact Phone

Program Clerk - (989) 673-8114, Ext. 103

Links to Sites of Interest:

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases - CDC

Page Last Updated:  06/14/2007

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