The most frequently diagnosed STDs in 2001 were genital warts (46 cases), non-gonococcus urethritis (23), and gonorrhea (10 cases). Total incidence for each STD has not changed significantly from 2000.

During 2001, clinic visits totaled 348, reflecting a 28 percent increase. New patient visits totaled 296, a 43 percent increase. The increase in clinic utilization may be due to a series of public information announcements regarding STDs and treatment options.

The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Counseling and Testing Site provides services to the public at its main office in Hackensack and multiple off-site locations.

During 2001, a total of 1,488 individuals were counseled, and 1,394 were tested for HIV. Sixteen tested positive, and all identified contacts were brought for examination, testing and treatment. Case management is offered to clients testing positive and to high-risk individuals who test negative.

Quarterly surveillance reports are used to detect changing local trends, develop prevention strategies, allocate resources, and evaluate prevention projects in order to control this life-threatening epidemic.

In refocusing the program’s community outreach efforts, the HIV site continues to accommodate the increase in demand for HIV services. The staff offers a comprehensive education, testing and counseling program to this high-risk population. Additional outreach sites where employees and students have benefited from HIV counseling and testing include the Meadowlands Racetrack and colleges. Collaborating with a local university, the program participated in World AIDS Day activities eliciting heightened student awareness of HIV and safer sex practices.