The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has re-launched an expanded version of its STD Hotline, which has been a powerful prevention weapon against sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
Accessible 24 hours, 7 days a week, the Hotline, 1-800-758-0880, gives callers instant access to a wealth of STD information in both English and Spanish, access to free condoms, and contact information for more than 50 free and low-cost STD and HIV test sites throughout the County. The Hotline also provides access to health educators Monday through Friday during business hours from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. enabling callers to order free educational materials as well as condoms, and even tips on how to tell their sexual partners about an STD.
In addition to information on nearby test sites, the STD Hotline can provide key information on STD prevention facts – and myths – even at 2:00 a.m. Other key features of the Hotline include referral information for free Hepatitis A and B immunizations, information on emergency contraception, and resources for health providers.
Other public health tools include the www.inSPOTLA.org website that enables users to anonymously contact sex partners to inform them of possible STD exposure, and the STD Program’s own website, www.lapublichealth.org/std, where additional information and materials, including digital slide presentations and reports, are available to the public.