Sexual Health and Blood Borne Infections Information for Health Professionals
Health Care Providers play a central role in diagnosing, treating and preventing Sexual & Blood Borne Infections (SBBI). Providing non-judgmental, comprehensive care for individuals with SBBI is essential to supporting the best outcomes for clients as well as for infection control in the community. The reporting of required surveillance details assists Public Health in identifying concerning trends and developing responses. Your support and care is appreciated.
York Region’s SBBI program currently offers:
- Case management for reportable SBBIs including providing health information to clients to assist with navigating access to treatment, follow-up and referrals
- Consults with health care providers to support reporting, treatment, and management of SBBIs
- A community phone line to speak to a Public Health Nurse for SBBI health information and resources
- STI medications at no cost to York Region health care providers to treat confirmed or suspected clients of reportable STIs and contacts
SBBI Case Reports
On receipt of a reportable SBBI for a client residing in York Region, surveillance letters are sent to testing health care providers. If you prefer to expedite this process, please complete the applicable case report on a lab confirmed SBBI and fax it back to 905-940-4541.
STI Medication Program
Ensuring timely treatment of STIs is pivotal to preventing the spread of infections. The STI Medication Program supplies York Region HCPs with government-funded, first-line antibiotic treatment for reportable bacterial STIs. This enables clients and known contacts to access treatment without delay.
Currently over 130 local HCPs are part of the STI stock medication program. To request more information on becoming a STI stock medication clinic or to order a one-time dose of antibiotics, including specialized syphilis treatment - please complete the ordering form and fax back to 905-940-4541, email [email protected] or call SBBI On Duty Line 1-877-464-9675 ext. 74214.
SBBI Infection Management Support
To speak with a Public Health Nurse for SBBI infection management support, including review of STI guideline treatments, lab interpretation and community resources, please call the SBBI On Duty Line 1-877-464-9675 ext. 74214 or email @email.
Please review the Canadian STI Guidelines for additional information.
Post Exposure Prophylaxis PEP
HCPs can refer clients to a local hospital for baseline bloodwork, assessment, and initial access to PEP initiation. See St. Michael’s Pocket PEP guide.
Pre Exposure Prophylaxis PrEP
PrEP is a highly effective HIV prevention strategy that can be used by HIV-negative individuals that are at-risk of HIV infection. When used in conjunction with risk reduction and adherence counselling programs, PrEP can prevent transmission of HIV. York Region Public Health is working towards increasing access to PrEP in York Region. To learn more on how to prescribe PrEP, or to access training, toolkits and resources, visit ontarioprep.ca.
Providing Inclusive Care
York Region health care providers play a pivotal role in addressing the health inequities experienced by individuals that identify as 2SLGBTQI+. It is important to foster an open and welcome environment where individuals can express their unique needs, in order to encourage them to seek much needed health services.
The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) has developed comprehensive best practice guidelines to provide helpful context and a framework that promotes health equity and improves the experiences and health outcomes of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
The Canadian Public Health Agency of Canada provides core competency information on discussing SBBI health
SBBI Stats
York Region
- Updated dashboard of reportable infections in York Region, including STIs and BBIs:
- Access to historical reports and statistics for York Region
Mandatory Blood Testing Act
Together with their health care provider, the Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006, helps emergency first responders, medical professionals, correctional workers, victims of crime and others assess the risk of infection and decide whether to start treatment or preventative measures. An overview of the Act, eligibility and application forms are available.
