With bacterial STI rates increasing relentlessly in TN, a strategic approach to investigation and assessment of these infections is needed. - Tennessee (TN) has long investigated chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infections and conducted partner services. We propose implementation of SSuN activities statewide, from Memphis to Appalachia, to yield fruitful information on STIs in TN. Our centralized surveillance system, hybrid public health model, and history of implementing various enhanced surveillance projects (i.e. FoodNet, Emerging Infections Program, SETNET) demonstrate our capacity to implement this approach. Purpose: We propose a statewide approach that includes centralizing components of the investigation to maximize data quality, while keeping other components localized to maximize local health department resources and community knowledge. We plan to use SSuN funding to hire a Project Coordinator to do data manipulation, transmission, and coordination of all project activities, as well as several centralized DIS to conduct centralized provider and laboratory investigations. Outcomes: Short-term outcomes include improvements in accuracy of syphilis staging, decreasing time from investigation receipt to completion, and increasing the use of internet partner services. Intermediate-term outcomes include increasing the partner index, and increasing the proportion of cases with signs, symptoms, and sequelae identified. Long-term outcomes include decreasing the incidence of syphilis and gonorrhea and increasing provider compliance with CDC STI Treatment Guidelines.
