New campaign targets gay men for Syphilis education, free testing

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – February 18, 2010)

With a grant from Riverside County Department of Public Health, Desert AIDS Project has launched a new syphilis education and prevention campaign in the Coachella Valley encouraging gay men to get tested for syphilis.

The new campaign focuses on creating awareness about the disease, which continues its rapid spread both nationally and locally. Print ads in gay publications and banner ads on gay websites encourage readers to visit www.areyouexposedpalmsprings.com. Once there, visitors will find hyperlinks to eight different websites for more information on syphilis symptoms, prevention, and treatment. The Department of Public Health currently provides free and confidential syphilis testing every Thursday from 5:00 -7:00 PM at D.A.P.’s main campus, located at 1695 N. Sunrise Way in Palm Springs. To schedule a testing appointment, please call 760-323-2118.

The number of syphilis cases has skyrocketed in the past 10 years, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 64% of reported syphilis cases in 2006 were among men who have sex with men. The threat of neurosyphilis, which may lead to blindness or stroke, is especially alarming and cases have been reported in HIV-positive men in several major U.S. cities.

To further address these increasing risks, Desert AIDS Project will also partner with the Riverside County Department of Public Health on April 30th to host a half-day Syphilis Conference at D.A.P.’s campus. While receiving Continuing Education credits, local doctors, nurses, and other medical providers will learn more about the particular threats from the disease and be encouraged to routinely recommend syphilis testing to their patients. For more information about the conference call Robin Johnson at 760-323-2118.

Desert AIDS Project is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services. D.A.P. also offers free and confidential HIV testing at a number of locations throughout the communities it serves. For more information call 760-323-2118.