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Dear Colleague,
Welcome to NCC News. This online newsletter is designed to keep you up-to-date on the NCC and share news, research, and resources related to chlamydia, STDs, and sexual health. Feel free to share this with your colleagues who also may find it of use.
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NCC's New Expert Commentary Focuses on USPSTF 2014 Chlamydia Screening Recommendation
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The NCC's Research Translation Committee has released a new Expert Commentary. In this installment, Joan M. Chow from the California Department of Public Health-Sexually Transmitted Disease Control Branch reports on changes to the 2014 United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for chlamydia screening, and their implications for clinical practice and chlamydia control in the population. Topics discussed include the downgrade of the recommendation for chlamydia screening from an A to a B, frequency of screenings for priority populations, and differences with CDC and other national screening guidelines, among others.
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New Study Strengthens Link Between Alcohol Taxes and STD Rates
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A new study found that after Maryland increased its alcohol sales tax  from 6% to 9%, the rates of gonorrhea decreased by 24%. This decrease translated into 1,600 fewer cases annually in the state. For the analysis, researchers collected cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea before and after the alcohol tax increase. They then created three control groups (a multi-state comparison group, a similarity-based control, and a regional control group) to use in comparisons with the Maryland data. Following the tax increase, Maryland's rate of gonorrhea appears to decrease while rates for three control groups do not. The study found no effect on rates of chlamydia. The researchers recommend that policymakers consider increasing alcohol taxes as a way to reduce STDs. The study was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
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Office on Women's Health Launches STD Prevention Campaign Aimed at Teen Girls
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 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health recently launched the Know the Facts First campaign, an initiative co-branded by the National Coalition of STD Directors and the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors. Know the Facts First aims to provide teen girls, ages 13-19, with accurate information about STDs and prevention methods so that they can make informed decisions about sexual activity. The campaign website is a hub for STD information, resources, tools, and support for teens, as well as information on where to get tested. It also contains information about dating violence and pregnancy prevention, and tips for communicating about sex. Know the Facts First is accessible from a smartphone, tablet and desktop.
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Case Study Illustrates Arizona's Experience Implementing Third Party Billing
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CDC Launches Bilingual Campaign to Promote HIV Testing
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This month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched a national bilingual campaign to encourage more adults to get tested for HIV. Doing It emphasizes the importance of testing for all Americans age 18 to 64, and particularly those most at risk for HIV. A central message is that testing is a normal and routine part of life. The campaign is being promoted through national online, print and broadcast advertisements, gay Pride events, social media, and community engagement. Promotional materials are available for community-based organizations and health departments to use locally. Doing It is part of the CDC's Act Against AIDS national communications initiative.
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| STI Patient Education Tool for Clinicians
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