Internet Partner Services

Since January 2011 and a result of funding from the Division of STD Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC/DSTDP), NCSD has been providing technical assistance in the area of Internet-based Partner Services (IPS) to our members.

The technical assistance provided through this effort aims to address barriers such as unfettered access to the Internet, the development of IPS protocols and guidelines and the implementation of programs. It is NCSD's goal to also ensure long term resources to sustain the effective use of the Internet for disease intervention activates through tools such as the peer-to-peer support groups NIPS (National Internet-based Partner Services) and OOJ (Out of Jurisdiction).

On March 10, 2011, NCSD conducted a national webinar, IPS 101, which discussed the current state of the social Internet and review Internet-based tools that should be made accessible to all Disease Intervention Specialists for case investigations.  A second webinar, IPS 201, occurred on July 28, 2011, reviewed the specifics of developing an IPS program while providing examples of existing programs including tools, tips and recommendations based on existing IPS experience. On September 27, 2011, NCSD hosted an additional webinar to improve the cultural competency of intervention specialists when engaging in partner services via the internet.

If you have questions about our IPS work, please contact Dana Cropper Williams (dcropper@ncsddc.org) with requests for information and technical assistance or to share your own homegrown IPS resources as they are developed.

Additional Resources

InternetInterventions.org - This website contains IPS protocols, Dear Colleague letters, and other resources such as the most up-to-date Interstate Communication Control Record, that can help you in the development and maintenance of your IPS program.