The National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) held a virtual press briefing on Wednesday, December 2, during the STD Engage 2020 conference. Leaders in sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention discussed:

• Massive disruptions to STD testing and prevention due to the coronavirus pandemic
• Strategies to head off new STD increases, including key innovations by state and local STD programs
• How the upcoming Biden Administration and Congress can rebuild America’s public health infrastructure and reduce record-high STD rates

Panelists

• David Harvey, Executive Director National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD)
• Dr. Chris Hall, NCSD Clinical Advisory Chair UCSF Prevention Training Center; Q Care Plus
• Dr. Philip Chan, Associate Professor Brown University
• Famika Edmond, Senior Public Health Educator Detroit Health Department
• Samantha Ritter, Director of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health
  National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)

Press briefing transcript

David Harvey

David discussed STD prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on STD programs, the STI National Strategic Plan, and the role of a new incoming administration.

Dr. Chris Hall

Dr. Hall talked about the promise of at-home STD testing, and what needs to happen now – and post-pandemic – to realize the potential.

Dr. Phil Chan

Dr. Chan discussed the rapid shift to telehealth and a path forward to sustaining telehealth’s benefits and overcoming potential gaps.

Famika Edmond

Famika discussed how STD Programs can lead the way toward health equity and justice.

Samantha Ritter

Samantha spoke about taking STD programs further with express visits.