A sexually transmitted infection screening program was recently implemented at an Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) facility amid allegations of a syphilis outbreak within the prison.

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) conducted sexually transmitted disease testing at the Stayton Correctional Facility, according to a study by Appleseed, Alabama researcher Eddie Burkhalter.

ADOC was initially contacted, but it was deferred to ADPH, according to the email. In response, ADPH stated the following: “ADPH participates in STD screening programs targeting populations where transmission is or is likely to increase. In collaboration with ADOC, ADPH recently launched an STD screening program at the Staton Correctional Facility. conducted, but results are pending. ADPH follows standard treatment protocols to promote and protect the health of those tested and to prevent further illness.”

APR has heard from multiple sources that there is a suspected syphilis outbreak within the facility.

In 2001, the following research results were published: Syphilis Outbreak in Alabama Prisons: Correctional Health Policy and Infectious Disease Control; It was conducted to investigate the risk factors and transmission patterns of syphilis. The study notes how diseases can spread when inmates are transferred between facilities and are not tested for infectious diseases.