October 24, 2008

E-cards Send HIV Alerts to Sexual Partners

More people are using new technology to notify their partners that they’ve been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI)—they’re sending the alerts via electronic postcards, or e-cards, Reuters reports.

Partner notification, which has long been a way of controlling the spread of STIs such as HIV, is traditionally done over the phone, in person or with the help of a public health worker. In 2004, a San Francisco-area nonprofit called Internet Sexuality Information Services (ISIS) produced inSPOT, an Internet-based program to aid in partner notification.

According to the article, website users choose one of six e-cards, type in recipients’ e-mail addresses and either send the postcard anonymously or include their own e-mail addresses. The e-card warns recipients that they might have been exposed to an STI and provides them with links to STI information and a map of clinics where they can be tested.

Since 2004, more than 30,000 people have sent nearly 50,000 e-cards to their sexual partners. “E-cards do not replace in-person communication,” says Deb Levine, the executive director of ISIS. “But for people who are diagnosed with an [STI], e-cards can enhance sexual communication and help with community responsibility and easing a process of disclosure that can be extremely difficult.”

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Previous Comments:

poz12704, TX, 2008-10-31 14:14:12
doctors should notify you of a confirmed positive diagnoses as this may result in adverse actions as Joe mentioned. But if its from a prior sexual partner regarding exposure I dont see a problem with the e-greeting. In my case it took MONTHS before anyone even asked... then those that I mentioned were not contacted. Egreetings allow you to do it yourself without revealing your status.... I think its great. Anyone know the link? I'd like to see what the cards look like.

Barry, Portland, OR., 2008-10-30 12:53:28
Anonymous email notification is an excellent way of urging a sexual partner to get tested. They are well designed and in good taste.

me, , 2008-10-29 17:01:40
What is the name of the site where one can send an anonymous e-mail to tell a partner to get tested? Knowing this info would be helpful!

Joe Rattner, Ewa Beach, 2008-10-28 13:52:00
My diagnoses was shared with me over the phone and the nurse hung up in less than three minutes asking me to call when I'm ready for treatment. There should be NO PHONE OR TEXT DISCLOSING especially by Hospitals, Clinics or any DOH Branch because As shared in POZ. I have proven stats of the suicides in the States where they allow Phone disclosure, and want no one to feel the sense of being alone when first diagnosed.It should always be disclosed in person. wohfacpresident. wordpress.com