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Tulare County health official presents rising STI data; Lindsay Wellness Center joins Condom Access Project
Summary
Suje Martinez of Tulare County HHSA presented county-level increases in chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis and described the Condom Access Project, which places free condoms and supplies at community locations including the Lindsay Wellness Center; county staff said the program has 31 distribution sites and monthly restocking.
Suje Martinez, a health educator with the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency, told the Lindsay City Council that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have risen in the county and outlined prevention and outreach measures, including the Condom Access Project.
Martinez presented state and county statistics showing increases in chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis over recent years and cited a sharp rise in congenital syphilis averages from 3 per year (2014–2016) to about 12.3 per year (2020–2022). She said Tulare County’s primary and secondary syphilis rate increased by 77 percent from 2020 to 2021 and that, for several indicators, the county’s per-100,000 rates exceeded the California average in 2021.
To address the trend, Martinez recommended prevention strategies including abstinence, correct condom use and routine screening (every three to 12 months depending on partner status). Martinez described the Condom Access Project: the county supplies lockable receptacles or 'condom bowls' and replenishes contraceptives (latex and internal condoms), lubricants and dental dams monthly. She said the program currently operates in 31 county locations and that the Lindsay Wellness Center is now a participating site.
Council members asked about outreach to schools and business participation. Martinez said the county offers age-appropriate presentations for schools and that businesses can enroll in the Condom Access Project via a short form; the county will drop off containers and manage restocking.
What’s next: Martinez offered to provide the council with Spanish-language materials and a list of local distribution sites. The council thanked her and the county for the presentation and support for local prevention efforts.
