Tennessee: Coalition Gets Grant to Attack Syphilis, Black Males a Target, 10 Groups Involved

On Friday, the Shelby County Syphilis Elimination Coalition announced plans to expand syphilis education, outreach, and testing efforts in a drive to reduce syphilis cases locally. The SCSEC efforts, funded with a five-year state Health Department grant through the Memphis Health Center, reflect a national push to eliminate the STD.

SCSEC comprises 10 organizations, including the Memphis & Shelby County Health Department. This year's grant is $141,800.

In 1998, Memphis and Shelby County had the highest rate of new syphilis cases among large U.S. cities. Last year, the area dropped to 13th place, said Vince Glover, manager of the local health department's STD division. He said 83 cases had been diagnosed during the first six months of this year.

The efforts will focus on African-American men ages 15-49, said Barbara Mitchell, SCSEC coordinator. This group has seen a recent jump in cases, she said.

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