DOH Logo linking to the DOH Home Page
 Sexually Transmitted Disease
Site Directory:       Section Links:
STD Home
FAQ
Getting Tested
Publications
Laws & Recommendations
Case Reports
Clinical Guidelines
Expedited Partner Therapy
Surveillance Data
Program & Staff

Follow DOH on Twitter

 

Access Washington Logo linking to Access Washington

Program Information & Staff Directory

Program Information
Staff

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Program

Our program is responsible for the control and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) within the state of Washington.

We assist state, local and community efforts with interrupting the transmission of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and other STDs and reducing the health burden and costs associated with these infections.

The major components of this program are:

    Surveillance

    The monitoring of reported cases provides the infrastructure for preventing and controlling sexually transmitted diseases. The collection, analysis and dissemination of this information are essential to identify interventions, strategies and resources needed to halt the spread of disease.

    • Chlamydia -  a reportable infection since 1988 and remains the most commonly reportable STD
    • Gonorrhea -  increased from the mid nineties to 2006 and then declined.
    • Syphilis -  at very low level except for outbreaks among high-risk groups.

    Partner Notification


    The notification of partners exposed to individuals infected with an STD helps assure their access to clinical services and counseling to protect themselves from future STD risk.

    Laboratory Screening


    The testing of asymptomatic persons at risk of infection is important in the control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. General chlamydia screening guidelines and diagnostic testing options are available at Chlamydia Screening Tool (PDF 528KB). The Infertility Prevention Project provides screening for chlamydia to over 60,000 women attending 140 clinics throughout the state. In addition, all pregnant women are routinely tested for syphilis to prevent congenital syphilis among newborns of those infected.

    Risk Reduction


    Behavioral risk reduction is carried out through general educational materials distributed throughout the state. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Booklet (PDF 288KB). Annually over 120,000 language and education level appropriate materials are distributed. These focus on abstinence, delay of sexual activity and monogamy as well as individual diseases and conditions. STD Program helps people make healthy choices by explaining the kinds of behavior that increase risk of STD infection.

    Patient Management


    Washington State assures that adequate clinical services are available to people in need of STD testing and treatment Sexually Transmitted Disease Diagnostic & Treatment Facilities. Patients diagnosed with reportable STDs are monitored for quality of services using Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's (CDC) Treatment Guidelines (PDF 702KB) as the "Standard of Care". Browse the CDC Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines webpage for more information.

    Professional Development


    Washington State assures health care providers have access to training and resources through the Seattle STD/HIV Prevention Training Center. This center, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and associated with the University of Washington, offers comprehensive training on prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment of STDs.

Back to Top


Staff Contact Information
Name & Email Job Title Phone Number
Main Line Main Line 360-236-3460
Fax Line Fax Line 360-236-3470
Lisa Baldoz (Yakima)
lisa.baldoz@co.yakima.wa.us		 STD Field Consultant for Central WA 509-249-6531
Bob Housner
bhousner@shd.snohomish.wa.gov		 STD Field Consultant for Northwest WA 425-257-2150
Caroline Geist
caroline.geist@doh.wa.gov		 Administrative Support for Surveillance Unit 360-236-3439
Cynthia Morrison
cynthia.morrison@doh.wa.gov		 STD Education Coordinator 360-236-3498
Howard Amburgey
howard.amburgey@doh.wa.gov		 Information Technology Support for Surveillance Unit 360-236-3570
Julie Simon
julieann.simon@doh.wa.gov		 STD Surveillance Coordinator 360-236-3441
Julie Zink (Spokane)
jzink@spokanecounty.org		 STD Field Consultant for Eastern WA 509-324-1609
Katherine Gudgel
katherine.gudgel@doh.wa.gov		 STD Field Operations Coordinator 253-395-6734
Kristy Warner
kristy.warner@doh.wa.gov		 Infertility Prevention Project Consultant 360-236-3450
Mark Aubin
mark.aubin@doh.wa.gov		 STD Program Manager 360-236-3460
Jessica Gehle (Olympia)
jessica.gehle@doh.wa.gov		 STD Field Consultant for Southwest WA 360-236-3482
Rafael Loza
rafael.loza@doh.wa.gov		 Special Projects Coordinator 360-236-3456
Rayna Halloway
rayna.halloway@doh.wa.gov		 Administrative Support for Surveillance Unit 360-236-3433
Renee Tommila
renee.tommila@doh.wa.gov		 Research Analyst for Special Projects Unit 360-236-3448

Back to Top
Other DOH Links
Family Planning
HIV/AIDS
Local Health Jurisdictions
Notifiable Conditions
Women's Health Resource Network