NACCHO recognizes the benefits of sharing information and exchanging ideas among peers when problem-solving, planning, or implementing an intervention. To that end, we are launching the Congenital Syphilis Community of Practice (CoP), to engage health department staff in collaborative learning and knowledge-sharing activities that enhance their capacity to implement or scale-up interventions to address CS and syphilis among individuals of child-bearing capacity.

Possible topics of discussion include:

• Use of a targeted syphilis DIS
• Integration of syphilis testing into high impact settings (e.g., jails, syringe service programs, emergency rooms)
• Integration of pregnancy intention ascertainment in STI care and STI testing when pregnancy test is requested
• Provider education/engagement/public health detailing
• Impact of social determinants of health

Who is it for?

This CoP will focus on health departments who are at some level of CS intervention implementation including those contemplating implementation or want to scale-up an already existing program. The CoP is open to any health department staff with interest in working to address congenital syphilis in their community.

Goals

• Strengthen the capacity of HD staff to address congenital syphilis.
• Contribute best practices and lessons learned regarding the creation and implementation of CS interventions.
• Improve communication and strengthen strategic partnership among HDs to support CS prevention.

Time Commitment and Frequency

• Initial 1.5-hour kickoff call will be held in January to introduce group members, establish group norms, plan discussion topics, and identify group activities.
• Each LHD that becomes a member of the CoP will have one staff representative participate from January 2022 – December 2022; the staff person may vary depending on the topic
• Group members will participate every month in 1-hour discussion sessions, which will be held via Zoom. These meetings serve as a forum for peer-sharing. These sessions will alternate between information sharing/presentation and group discussion. We encourage participants to share resources and best practices and bring to the group any issues where they need support to address congenital syphilis or syphilis in those of child-bearing capacity.
• Two LHDs will provide a short jurisdictional overview of their approach to addressing congenital syphilis and syphilis in those of childbearing capacity as well as challenges that they are facing at each group discussion meeting. Participants will know in advance when they are presenting so they are able to prepare.

If you are interested in joining this CoP, please fill out the interest form. Deadline to express interest is December 15, 2021. If you have questions, please email Rebekah Horowitz.