Ohio health departments using social networking to combat spread of STDs

Public health agencies in Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland have began using online social networks to fight the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (Source: “Online sites help agencies fight diseases,” Akron Beacon-Journal/Associated Press, April 19, 2009).

The agencies are going online to identify individuals with STDs and offer assistance in getting them and their partners treatment. Cleveland's health department opened accounts on two sites last week, and Cincinnati has plans to start an online effort in a couple of months. Columbus Public Health established a presence a year ago on Manhunt, a social networking site for gay men, and has since created a presence at other sites.

Traditionally, health departments have used letters and telephone calls to set up face-to-face meetings with the partners of infected people who visit their clinics, test positive for an STD, and reveal their partners' names to health officials. Using social networking sites, health officials can send a message to someone's partner, and advise him or her to contact health officials and provide contact information.