NewsWest9.com (Midland) (05.09.12) - Friday, May 11, 2012
STDs are on the rise in Ector County, health rankings show.
From January to March of this year, the county logged 38 cases
of gonorrhea and 65 of chlamydia, up from 15 cases of
gonorrhea and 37 of chlamydia in the same period last year.
"It's been a sensitive topic that's not easily addressed in
this area," said Gino Solla of the Ector County Health
Department. Most patients are high-school students or people
in their 20s, but "we've had 13-year-olds come in," Solla
said. In response, the department is teaming with the Ector
County Independent School District for a May 17 forum at
Odessa High School and Permian High School. During the
presentation, students can anonymously submit questions to
health professionals. "There will be three physicians present
to answer any questions, and it will be done in a very
dignified and private manner," said Shawn Bell, ECISD's
executive director of instructional support services.