Public Health Advisor Team, Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health

Public Health Advisor Team, Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health

Left to right:
Mary Angela Richard, Maricella Rios, Jay Landolfi, and Michele Montalvo

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Public Health Advisors (PHAs) seek to control the spread of STDs such as HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. These epidemiological investigator's strategies include traditional partner services, education, surveillance, and outreach. This group addresses sensitive topics with individuals while maintaining confidentiality to support individuals to treatment and eliciting information about exposed partners who will be notified, tested, and treated. They conduct satellite clinics at venues that need targeted services. One example is the monthly screening program at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). The monthly testing program is an effective model of collaboration that brings expertise, resources, and education to a population at high risk of acquiring STD/HIV. Their efforts have identified persons with high risk infections who are referred for treatment. Staff also make referrals for mental health, intimate partner violence, substance abuse, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for those who engage in high-risk sex. These efforts help reduce the burden of STDs in Dutchess County and enhance the Governor's Plan to Eliminate HIV in NYS.

Learn more about Public Health Advisors.