Tackling chlamydia through data, screening, and education

Data from The L.A. Trust Data xChange showing St. John’s chlamydia screening rates from 2018 – 2023.

Chlamydia is the most reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States and California, particularly among females ages 15-24. According to the California Department of Public Health's STI Surveillance report, there were 190,806 reported cases of chlamydia in 2021, highlighting the pressing need for effective screening and education. The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health (The L.A. Trust) recognizes this is an urgent public health issue and advocates for sexual and reproductive health by promoting chlamydia screenings at school Wellness Centers.

Recent data reveals that many individuals infected with chlamydia are asymptomatic, which can lead to serious health complications if the infection is left untreated. The L.A. Trust is committed to changing this narrative through education and proactive measures. By receiving screenings, treatment, and vital information, students gain access to the resources they need to maintain their health and well-being.

A Data-Driven Approach to Screening and Intervention

In partnership with school Wellness Centers and School-Based Health Centers, The L.A. Trust facilitates the collection of critical student health data through its innovative Data Xchange platform. This tool enables centers to track screening rates, identify trends, and monitor outcomes, ensuring that interventions are timely and effective. By using data-driven insights, The L.A. Trust and its partners can more precisely target outreach and screening efforts, making sure that students who are most at risk receive the care they need.

Leadership in Chlamydia Screening: St. John's Community Health

St. John’s Community Health has emerged as a leader in addressing the challenge of chlamydia screening among adolescents. Under the guidance of Dr. Sushant Bandarpalle and Linh Phan, St. John's implemented a strategic STI Screening Improvement Project that has significantly increased chlamydia screening rates within Wellness Centers and School-Based Health Centers. As highlighted in this recent Best Practices to Improve Chlamydia Screening Brief, their approach focuses on enhancing clinical protocols, continuous training, and ongoing monitoring, which are essential for ensuring that young people receive appropriate care. As Dr. Bandarpalle explains, "Successful diagnosis and treatment are really a testament to the provider-patient relationship and the provider's comfort level in educating our patients. Our approach to driving these measures focused on enhancing our EMR systems and creating a well-supported space for providers to enhance their delivery of the patient's sexual health."

Student Advisory Board members at Mendez High School.

Empowering Students through Education and Peer Advocacy

Beyond clinical initiatives, The L.A. Trust believes in empowering students through education. Maryjane Puffer, Executive Director of The L.A. Trust, emphasizes the importance of these initiatives: “Empowering students with access to education, screenings, and treatment is crucial for their success and well-being. We believe that by promoting sexual and reproductive health, we’re not just improving individual lives but also enhancing the overall health of our communities.”

The L.A. Trust’s Student Advisory Board (SAB) members play a vital role in educating their peers and advocating for essential services like chlamydia screenings and HPV vaccinations. Our SAB members actively engage with their peers to educate them on the importance of STI prevention and screenings. Through outreach initiatives, these young advocates help demystify health services and promote healthy decision-making within their communities.


Best Practices to Improve Chlamydia Screening Brief

Prevent oral cancer with the HPV vaccine

Student-led tabling event on HPV prevention at Monroe HS.

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. According to recent research, HPV is linked to several types of cancers, including throat cancer and oral cancer. Although many people are aware of the importance of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer, not many realize that it can also help prevent throat cancers and oral cancers. The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active. That's why it is recommended for preteens at ages 11 or 12, as this is around the time, they start entering puberty and may be exposed to HPV. However, the vaccine can still provide some protection if given to older individuals who have not been exposed to all of the HPV strains covered by the vaccine. Additionally, the vaccine has been approved for use in individuals as young as 9 years old. Men and women up to age 45 can get vaccinated.  

Oral HPV can be transmitted through oral sex or via other means, such as deep tongue kissing, contact with infected skin or mucous membranes, and sharing of personal items such as toothbrushes. It is also possible to contract the virus from an infected mother during childbirth. Approximately 10% of men and 3.6% of women are estimated to have oral HPV, occurring more frequently among older individuals. In most cases, HPV will clear within one to two years, although it may persist in some people. While most people can clear the virus on their own within a couple of years, some may develop chronic infections. Cancer may form in the oropharynx, which includes the tonsils, soft palate, and base of the tongue. Researchers have found that certain strains of HPV are more likely to lead to throat cancer, and the risk increases with the number of sexual partners. 

Often teenagers don't get vaccinated against HPV simply because they are unaware of the risks and benefits associated with the vaccine. But The L.A. Trust is working hard to change that through a range of measures such as raising awareness that HPV vaccination is available at Student and Family Wellness Centers located in schools, and student-led tabling events on HPV prevention during school hours. The L.A. Trust also collaborates with public and private partnerships to increase awareness and promote sexual and reproductive health practices among students. We believe that by providing education, screening and treatment to students, they have the potential to lead healthier lives and achieve more in school.

The HPV vaccine is a three-part series of injections given over a period of six months that helps protect against certain strains of the virus that can cause cancer. The vaccine works by stimulating an immune response to help prevent infection with those strains. It’s important to note that while the vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it does significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer caused by those strains.

Vaccinating children against HPV protects them from developing cancer in adulthood, provides lifetime immunity from HPV, and reduces the risk of contracting and spreading the virus, thereby protecting others. Getting vaccinated at a young age is crucial to ensure maximum protection. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the most dangerous strains of the virus, which cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.  

The vaccine has been extensively tested and has been deemed safe by numerous health organizations, including the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moreover, vaccinating children also helps build herd immunity, which protects not only the vaccinated individuals but also the unvaccinated members of the community, particularly those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions. So, vaccinating your child against HPV not only protects their health but also contributes to the well-being of the community as a whole.  

With all these benefits combined, it should be easy to see why vaccinating your child against HPV is so important! The bottom line is this: if you have kids, get them vaccinated against HPV. It could save their lives.  

Sources:

CDC Oral HPV cancer information
CDC parent information on HPV
Mayo Clinic HPV
Oral HPV
National Library of Medicine

Destigmatizing STIs for youth

Students tabling an STI campaign at Locke High School.

April is STI (sexually transmitted infection) Awareness Month in the United States. This is an ideal time for healthcare providers, school administrators, and community organizers to make a special effort to educate young people about the risks of STIs and ensure they have access to the necessary resources to protect themselves. It is especially crucial for marginalized youth who may not have access to quality sex education and other health resources. 

STIs are on the rise among young people in the United States, with cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis increasing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that almost half of all new STI cases impact young people ages 15-24. To combat this trend, it is critical to provide young people with the necessary resources so they can make informed decisions about their sexual health. These young people may not have trustworthy adults in their lives who can answer their questions about sex or provide them with condoms or other forms of protection. Moreover, they may not have access to transportation or financial resources to go to a clinic for testing or treatment.

The L.A. Trust advocates for sexual and reproductive health for students’ well-being, and because students with access to education, screening and treatment achieve more in school and have a better start on life. The L.A. Trust promotes chlamydia screenings and HPV vaccination at Student and Family Wellness Centers, helps students build awareness among their peers, and facilitates public and private partnerships that promote sexual and reproductive health.

The importance of educating young people on sexual health cannot be overemphasized. Young people must be equipped to protect themselves, and one way to do this is to give them accurate information about sexually transmitted infections. This includes information on how sexually transmitted infections spread and how to minimize the risk of contracting them. For example, young people should know that not engaging in sexual activity is the only foolproof way to avoid an STI; however, if they decide to be sexually active, using condoms or other forms of protection can significantly decrease their risk. The effects of untreated STIs can be severe and long-lasting. If left unchecked, untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause infertility in both men and women. If not treated early enough, syphilis can cause serious damage to organs such as the brain, heart, and liver. 

In addition to providing accurate information about STIs, it is also crucial to work towards reducing the stigma surrounding these infections. Shame or embarrassment surrounding STIs can prevent individuals from seeking testing or treatment. By creating safe spaces where people feel comfortable discussing sexual health openly without fear of ridicule or shame, we can help break down these barriers. 

Efforts towards destigmatizing STIs must go hand-in-hand with efforts towards providing accessible healthcare services for all individuals regardless of socioeconomic status or location. Community-based organizations play a critical role in connecting marginalized youth with resources like free testing clinics or mobile healthcare units that travel directly into underserved areas. 

In conclusion, April's designation as STI Awareness Month is an important reminder that we must prioritize educating our youth on sexual health throughout the year, and especially during this time when awareness efforts are amplified. By providing accurate information about sexually transmitted infections while working towards reducing stigma around these illnesses through open dialogue and accessible healthcare services, we can equip our youth with the necessary tools for healthy futures. 

Sources:
CDC 2021 Data
CDC STI
Sexual Health Disparities
STI awareness month

The importance of teen sexual and reproductive health

As young people navigate their teen years, they face various health concerns, including those related to their sexual and reproductive health. It is an important time in their lives when they require accurate information, support, and resources to help them make good choices about their bodies and futures.

Locke High School students educating their peers on sexual and reproductive health.

Teen sexual and reproductive health is an important part of overall wellness for adolescents. Good sexual health involves more than just the physical aspects; it covers social well-being, mental and emotional too. Without comprehensive education about sexuality and reproductive health topics, teens may not have access to accurate information that can help them make good choices. Additionally, without supportive adults who can answer questions with sensitivity and empathy, today’s teens may be left feeling ashamed or embarrassed talking about these topics altogether.

Providing teens with accurate information is only one aspect; caring adults must also ensure that all youth have access to preventative services such as contraception counseling and STD testing/treatment if needed. Available resources are essential for helping teens make responsible decisions about their sexual activities and protecting themselves from potential harm or illness down the line.

Teens need comprehensive sexuality education that covers a wide range of topics, including body image, contraception, gender identity, healthy relationships, consent, anatomy and expression. This education should be age appropriate and tailored to the developmental needs of each teen. Young people should feel safe discussing these topics with their educators or healthcare providers without fear of judgement. Providing a safe space also encourages honest communication between adults and teens when it comes to questions or concerns around sexual health issues. 

Not all teenagers have equal access to information and resources related to sexual reproductive health. Marginalized communities like LGBTQ+ teens or those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds may face more obstacles in getting the help they need. For this reason, The L.A. Trust advocates for sexual and reproductive health because students with access to education, screening and treatment achieve more in school and have a better start on life.

Having the right information readily available, can empower teens to make informed decisions while reducing the risk of negative outcomes. This gives them a sense of independence and self-accountability while having a positive impact on their physical and mental well-being. These youth are our future, and they deserve a chance to put their best foot forward and live their healthiest life.                                                                                                                                                                

5 Strategies for empowering teens to prevent dating violence

Teen dating violence is a pervasive and complex problem that affects millions of young people. But with the right education and prevention efforts, we can empower teens to recognize the warning signs of abusive relationships and seek help when they need it. In this post, we'll explore five strategies for preventing teen dating violence and empowering young people to build healthy, positive relationships.

1.       Provide Education and Resources for Healthy Relationships: Young people need access to information and resources that can help them establish healthy relationships. This includes education on healthy communication, consent, and boundaries, as well as information about where to turn if they experience or witness abuse. By providing this information, we can help young people build the skills and confidence they need to recognize and avoid unhealthy relationships.

2.       Create Safe and Supportive Environments: Creating safe and open environments is crucial for preventing teen dating violence. Educators, parents, and caregivers should focus on creating spaces where teens feel comfortable discussing their experiences and concerns, and where they can receive support and guidance when needed. By creating these safe spaces, we can help young people feel empowered to speak up and seek help when they need it.

3.       Teach Bystander Intervention: Bystander intervention is a key strategy for preventing teen dating violence. By teaching young people how to recognize and respond to abusive behavior, we can create a culture of respect and accountability that empowers everyone to take responsibility for their own actions and help others. Whether in person or online, bystander intervention can help prevent abusive behavior from escalating and support those who may be in danger.

4.       Address Emotional Abuse: While physical abuse is often the focus of discussions around teen dating violence, emotional abuse is also a serious problem. Educators, parents, and caregivers should focus on helping young people understand the warning signs of emotional abuse and how to seek help if they are experiencing it. By addressing emotional abuse, we can help young people build healthy relationships based on mutual respect and support.

5.       Prioritize Prevention and Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges for young people, including increased isolation and stress. It's more important than ever to prioritize prevention and education efforts to help young people build the skills and confidence they need to navigate these challenges and build healthy relationships that support their emotional and mental well-being.

Preventing teen dating violence requires a comprehensive approach that involves education, prevention, and intervention efforts from parents, educators, and community organizations. By working together and implementing these strategies, we can empower young people to recognize and respond to abusive behavior, establish healthy relationships, and build the kind of lives they deserve.

The HPV vaccine for children: why it’s important

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It can cause cervical cancer as well as other types of cancer, such as throat and oral cancers. There is a vaccine available to help protect against these types of cancer in young people. The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active. That's why it is recommended for preteens at ages 11 or 12, as this is around the time they start entering puberty and may be exposed to HPV. However, the vaccine can still provide some protection if given to older individuals who have not been exposed to all of the HPV strains covered by the vaccine. Additionally, the vaccine has been approved for use in individuals as young as 9 years old. Men and women up to age 45 can get vaccinated.

The HPV vaccine is a three-part series of injections given over a period of six months that helps protect against certain strains of the virus that can cause cancer. The vaccine works by stimulating an immune response to help prevent infection with those strains. It’s important to note that while the vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it does significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer caused by those strains.

There are several reasons why children should be vaccinated against HPV. Vaccinating children against HPV protects them from developing cancer in adulthood, provides lifetime immunity, reduces the risk of contracting and spreading the virus, and protects others from the virus as well. Getting vaccinated at a young age is crucial to ensure maximum protection. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the most dangerous strains of the virus, which cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. The vaccine has been extensively tested and has been deemed safe by numerous health organizations, including the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moreover, vaccinating children also helps build herd immunity, which protects not only the vaccinated individuals but also the unvaccinated members of the community, particularly those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. So, vaccinating your child against HPV not only protects their health but also contributes to the well-being of the community as a whole.

With all these benefits combined, it should be easy to see why vaccinating your child against HPV is so important! The bottom line is this: if you have kids, get them vaccinated against HPV. It could save their lives.

Student advocates explore teen health at Y2Y Summit

The L.A. Trust Y2Y Summit on April 1 featured frank talk, strong engagement and a Millennium theme.

Honest discussions and strong engagement were the order of the day as more than 80 students and their supporters met April 1 at The L.A. Trust Youth to Youth Student Health Summit online. 

Student health advocates from seven Student Advisory Boards, LAUSD Student Health and Human Services, L.A. County Department of Public Health, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Black Women for Wellness attended the conference. The event was sponsored by Cedars-Sinai, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Essential Access Health, Health Net and Joe Sanberg, co-founder of Aspiration. 

The half-day learning event included entertainment, activities and six workshops on student health issues, including HPV and other STDs, substance use, daily challenges and safer sex.

Maryjane Puffer, executive director of The L.A. Trust, welcomed the participants. “I am so proud of the work you are doing. You are positive change agents — you are going down in history for improving your schools and communities.” 

The Y2Y Summit was facilitated by The L.A. Trust’s student engagement team, including Robert Renteria, Rosario Rico, Mackenzie Scott and Dannielle Griffin. “Engagement was very high, especially for a virtual event,” Renteria said. “Students came prepared to share, learn and support each other, and they returned a lot of great feedback after the event.” 

No perfect path 

Irma Rosa Viera, a CalState Northridge Student and former SAB member from Elizabeth Learning Center, previewed “Life After High School.” Viera talked about her post-high school experiences and said, “Don’t fear not knowing what your career will be – I thought I was going to be an interpreter and switched to child development counselor.” She added, “There may be downs but finding the silver lining is going to be awesome.”  

Rico said there “is no perfect path” and pointed out that there are alternatives to four-year college, including entrepreneurship, vocational training and military service, which provides funds for college. When quizzed about their career interests, students cited healthcare, business, entrepreneurship, computers, mechanics and engineering as top possibilities.  

Other breakout workshops included Know Your HPV Facts, The Highs and Lows of Substance Use, The ABCs of STDs, Daily Challenges, and Sexual Health and Safe(r) Sex.

Coping with COVID 

L.A. Unified SHHS Organization Facilitator Victor Luna led a panel discussion by the L.A. Department of Public Health (DPH) COVID Youth Advisory Board that featured Evan Bowman, junior at Archer School for Girls; Gisselle Gonzalez, Stanford University freshman; Osiris Lamon, Paraclete High School junior; and Morgan McIntosh, Marymount High School junior.  

Luna asked the youth advisors how they had been coping with COVID. Lamon, a DPH youth advisor, cited talking with friends, spending time with family and friends, and giving back. Other student quarantine recommendations included exercise, studying, painting, anime and “lots of movies.” 

Y2Y meets Y2K

Zoom backgrounds and The L.A. Trust’s in-house DJ — Program Manager Nina Nguyen — set a Millennial mood with graphics and music matching the event’s theme, “Y2Y Meets Y2K.” GrubHub coupons were sent to students so they could enjoy the event’s traditional lunch. 

A social media contest garnered nearly 100 new posts and followers on Instagram. Brayam of Jordan High won the contest and a Nintendo Switch Lite portable game console.   

Nearly 90% of attendees surveyed said attending the Summit was worth their time; 93% said they would recommend the event to a friend. Kristie Garrison, LAUSD Healthy Start Coordinator and an Adult Ally of the Carson High SAB, praised the event and its student participants. 

A Belmont High student said, “It was my first Y2Y — awesome presentations and great to see other youth leaders!” Taaliyah, a student from Washington Prep, said the Summit reached her mind and heart because it addressed mental health and relationships. Isaac from Manual Arts High School said, “I learned new things — things I can call out and use.”