Press Release 03.05.08 STI Bill Hearing Today
Hearing Scheduled for Today to Provide Increased Screening, Testing and Education about Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Senator Marty will hold a hearing today at 12:30 p.m. on SF 2879, legislation that would provide an appropriation for screening and treatment of, and education about chlamydia and gonorrhea. It also allows for expedited partner therapy for the treatment of chlamydia and gonorrhea. The hearing is scheduled to be in Room 15 of the Capitol.
The hearing is being broadcast on Senate Web Cast and on TV. Go to http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/htv/htv.asp and click on Senate Web Cast.
The following people are scheduled to testify:
Peter Carr, MDH epidemiologist.
Kathy Wicks, Dakota County Public Health Department
Diane O'Connor of Women's Powell Center.
Fred Evans of North Minneapolis' Fremont Clinic
According to MN Department of Health 2006 Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Statistics
- -In 2006, the number of reportable bacterial sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, reached their highest level ever with 16,428 cases reported.
- -The incidence of chlamydia in the state has more than doubled over the past ten years, from 115 to 263 infections for every 100,000 persons.
- -Minneapolis has the highest number of infected persons; however, the greatest increases in 2006 were seen in St. Paul (11%) and in the suburbs (9%).
"These statistics are concerning to those of us who work in public health. In rural Minnesota, Planned Parenthood's clinics are one of the few locations for low-income women and men to get STI screening and treatment. Both suburban and urban clinics are seeing increased demand for these services," said PPMNS President and CEO Sarah Stoesz.
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