Chicago Syphilis Elimination Task Force launches new Web site (11681)

The Chicago Syphilis Elimination Task Force, lauded last week at the National STD Prevention Conference for helping to lower syphilis rates among the city's gay and bisexual men by 25%, on Monday launched a new Web site to encourage at-risk city residents to get tested for the sexually transmitted disease. The site features complete medical information regarding syphilis, frequently asked questions, current news, a full listing of testing locations, and tips on how to inform one's partners that they may have been exposed to syphilis. The task force, a public-private collaboration led by the Chicago Department of Public Health, has been working on the new Web site since last summer. "The new site is a great resource for Chicago," said Christopher Brown, assistant commissioner for STD/HIV/AIDS Public Policy and Programs at CDPH. "The site has not only been significantly updated, but it's been streamlined and made more interactive as well. We hope everyone in the community--from individuals to health care providers to community-based organizations--takes advantage of all it has to offer." The site can be seen online at www.gettestedchicago.com. The task force this week also will unveil the second phase in its public awareness campaign that urges city residents to protect themselves and their sex partners against syphilis infection.