Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) is launching a new initiative designed to stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) more efficiently.
Digital Partner Services uses dating apps to connect and notify people who may have been exposed to an STI, and help them take steps to keep themselves and others healthy.
Here’s how the process works:
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Trained PHMDC staff work directly with clients to reach their partners via dating apps while protecting privacy and confidentiality throughout the process;
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Messages are sent anonymously, ensuring that no personal information about who exposed them is shared;
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Staff search for usernames or IDs on apps, only contacting partners after confirming they have found the right person; and
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Messaging is limited to arranging a phone call, at which point specific health information can be shared securely.
Digital Partner Services is an evidence-based intervention recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Coalition of STD Directors.
