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