What did you enjoy most about STD Engage?

During STD Engage, I enjoyed networking with the many vendors and learning about their professional roles and having the opportunity to share my role as a DIS.  I also enjoyed the literature that each of the vendors provided about their programs.  I was able to take back some of the literature from each of the programs and share with my co-workers.  Last but not least, I enjoyed the blessing of being one of the DIS scholarship recipients chosen among so many great applicants for such a phenomenal event.

What’s something you learned at STD Engage that you plan to put into practice in your work?

I learned that as a DIS, we have a very important job. What we do makes a tremendous difference in the lives of people we serve, and we must not take it for granted. As a DIS, we are in the business of impacting the community by empowering people about STDs and HIV through education. By doing so, we will have lower incidence rates of STDs and HIV in our communities. I plan to consistently be mindful and never lose sight that education is the key to winning the fight against STDs and HIV.

In light of your work experience and what you learned at STD Engage, what do you think are the biggest challenges faced by DIS?

The biggest challenge for me is learning that my state, South Carolina, has some catching up to do compared to a lot of other states across the nation. Case in point: I find it hard to believe that South Carolina has not joined in with many other states in regard to allowing a treated person to give their partner medication to be treated as well (expedited partner therapy or EPT). I think it is a great idea and South Carolina needs to get on board with this.