Expedited Partner Therapy
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to increase despite years-long prevention efforts to stem the transmission of undiagnosed infection. Expedited Partner Therapy or EPT, is an intervention that has demonstrated successful outcomes by making it possible for providers to reach exposed partners who are unable or unwilling to come to the clinic. EPT is endorsed by the CDC and many health organizations, like the Texas Medical Association. Learn more about Expedited Partner Therapy in Texas.
New STI Guidelines
CDC released Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. This document provides current evidence-based diagnostic, management, and treatment recommendations, and serves as a source of clinical guidance for managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Learn more about the new STI guidelines.
Texas HIV Medication Program Moving Forward Together Partnership
The Moving Forward Together partnership was established in March 2021 to give community stakeholders an opportunity to learn about the financial challenges facing the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) and provide input to DSHS on how best to address these challenges. Learn more about the Moving Forward Together Partnership.
Expanded Congenital Syphilis Information
Nationally, the number of combined STD cases continues to break records and Texas has not been immune to the STD epidemic. These rising rates of STDs, especially syphilis, has led to the tragic consequence of rising rates of syphilis in newborns. Learn more about Congenital Syphilis in Texas.
Shortage of STD Test Kits and Laboratory Supplies
There is a current shortage of STD test kits and laboratory supplies, most notably for chlamydia and gonorrhea nucleic acid amplification tests (CT/GC NAAT). The shortages affect multiple diagnostic companies, public health and commercial laboratories. and impact several components of the specimen collection and testing process. Learn more about the shortage and the prioritization of testing while a solution to the shortage is found (PDF).
Home Testing and Home Self-Collection Guidance Roll-Out
DSHS provided interim guidance on the creation of policies for the use of FDA approved home testing kits for HIV, and Laboratory Developed Tests for self collection kits for HIV, STDs, hepatitis C, and tests required for PrEP prescriptions. This interim guidance is intended for use by programs funded or otherwise supported by the DSHS TB/HIV/STD Section. Learn more about home testing (PDF) | Home Testing and Self Collection Guidance (DOC)
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