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Opinion

Letters: Help in telling a partner about an STD

AS COLUMNIST Jenice Armstrong wrote, it can be difficult or even unsafe for people to tell their sex partners they have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease. For this reason, the city health department and the Mazzoni Center provide free STD e-card notification services through www.inspot.org.

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AS COLUMNIST Jenice Armstrong wrote, it can be difficult or even unsafe for people to tell their sex partners they have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease. For this reason, the city health department and the Mazzoni Center provide free STD e-card notification services through

» READ MORE: www.inspot.org

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The Department of Public Health also provides free, confidential STD testing and treatment at two of the city's district health-center clinics. Patients diagnosed with an STD at these clinics can ask for help if they don't wish to contact their sex partners themselves. Trained public health staff will contact these partners without revealing the name of the patient.

The best way for sexually active people to avoid STDs in the first place is by knowing their partners, always using condoms and getting regular checkups.

Free condoms and confidential medical services are provided at District Health Center No. 1, 1400 Lombard St. (215-685-6585), and Center No. 5, 1920 N. 20th St. (215-685-2490). For more info, go to www.phila.gov/health/units/ddc/STD_html.

Melinda E. Salmon

Felicia Lewis, M.D.

STD Control Program, Phila. Dept. of Public Health