HIV, STD, and Viral Hepatitis Program

STD Prevention Program

Description
The Maine STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) Program is a federally funded state program responsible for activities pertaining to the reportable STDs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.  Additionally, the STD program works closely with the HIV Programs to assist with specific follow up activities related to HIV.

Primary Activities

  • Disease surveillance for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.

  • Critical follow up activities by disease intervention specialist (DIS) that includes;

    • Treatment verification

    • Notification of disease for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV

    • Providing anonymous partner services for all gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV and prioritized chlamydia cases

    • HIV Transmission Prevention cases

  • To provide funding to the STD clinics located across the state that provide routine STD screenings including HIV, Hepatitis C testing, and Hepatitis A and B vaccinations.  

  • Annual planning of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education Conference in conjunction with key partners.

  • Various educational outlets to inform the public about STDs.

Sample Indicators

  • To improve appropriate and timely treatment for persons diagnosed with chlamydial infection and their partners.
  • To improve partner services to decrease disease transmission rates in Maine.
  • To improve STD clinical services at all sites by ensuring that those visiting the STD clinics are provided comprehensive, integrated prevention and care services.

Data Collected and Available:

  • Disease reports, demographic breakdowns, disease follow-up statistics.

2020 Data

  • Total chlamydia : 3,466
  • Total gonorrhea: 520
  • Total early syphilis: 66

Cross Program Collaborations

The STD Program functions through an integrated approach with the HIV Prevention, Care and Surveillance Program and Viral Hepatitis for daily activities (disease work), community contracts, policy development, program management and leadership, cross program funding, and prevention campaigns.  Additionally, other key collaborators are Maine CDC, Teen and Young Adult Health Program, Department of Education whom we collaborate with for the Sexuality Education Conference planning as well as the Maine CDC Office of Rural Health and Primary Care.  

Community Partnerships:

The STD Program partners with the City of Portland, City of Bangor, and Family Planning Association and Planned Parenthood of Northern New England.

Staff Capacity

The program is currently staffed by:

  • Molly Copp - Disease Intervention Specialist
  • Kim Meehan-Brown – Disease Intervention Specialist
  • Leesah Patt - Disease Intervention Specialist
  • Marissa Paul – Disease Intervention Specialist
  • Penny Sargent – Disease Intervention Specialist
  • Jessica Whitsell - Disease Intervention Specialist

Resource Tools:

National Affiliations

  • Federal CDC
  • NCSD (National Coalition of STD Directors)
  • Region I Infertility Prevention Project Board Member
  • Region I STD Programs Collaborative