Salem Health is committed to reducing health disparities and ensuring all patients receive comprehensive and inclusive care. As part of this mission, we are improving how we offer Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening to better serve our diverse patient population.
Through collaboration between primary care and laboratory leadership, we have identified ways to streamline testing, reduce errors in sample collection and expand access to comprehensive STI screening. The changes take effect Monday, Feb. 17.
Previously available only in Urgent Care, the standardized STI Panel is being extended to all primary care clinics. This simplifies the ordering process, ensures comprehensive testing, and reduces the likelihood of missed infections.
We are rolling out visual indicators to help providers and staff select the correct collection materials for each test. This step can reduce errors and improve sample quality, ensuring timely and accurate results for patients.
Many patients face barriers to receiving appropriate STI screening, whether due to stigma, discomfort discussing their sexual health or gaps in provider knowledge about comprehensive testing. By making STI screening more accessible and accurate, we reinforce our commitment to equity, inclusion and high-quality care for all patients — regardless of their sexual practices.
This initiative represents just one step in our efforts to improve preventive health and reduce disparities in care. We appreciate your partnership in implementing these changes and ensuring all patients receive the care they deserve.