Characteristics of COVID-19 Workplace Clusters in Rhode Island

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted certain workplace settings disproportionately, putting some industries at a higher risk for workplace transmission than others. This study examines workplace clusters in Rhode Island between March 2020 and May 2021. There were 14,580 cases associated with 2784 clusters during this period, with the largest number of workplace clusters occurring in manufacturing, food services, and retail. A better understanding of most impacted industries can inform sector-specific COVID-19 guidance and policy changes.

Health Equity, Social Justice, and HIV in Rhode Island: A Contemporary Challenge

From its beginning, HIV has primarily affected marginalized populations, such as injection drug users, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), and minority racial and ethnic groups. HIV is a disease that, from the start, has been strongly influenced by issues related to social justice and health equity due to its intersection with behaviors among at-risk populations. While some of the risks associated with HIV have been successfully mitigated through social justice initiatives related to needle exchange programs and routine HIV testing of pregnant women, Rhode Island remains confronted with the health equity challenges of preventing HIV transmission and ensuring access to HIV care/treatment, especially for Black/African Americans, Hispanics, and GBMSM. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2016-11.asp].

Addressing the increasing burden of sexually transmitted infections in Rhode Island

The rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI) including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are increasing across the United States, including in Rhode Island (RI). These STIs affect many otherwise healthy adolescents and young adults, and represent a significant source of morbidity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages states to develop strategies for addressing increasing STI rates in the setting of diminishing public health resources. The RI Department of Health (DOH) works with providers and funded community- based organizations to promote STI screening, expedited partner therapy, and partner services to reduce STI rates. The Miriam Hospital Immunology Center opened a public HIV/STI Clinic, which offers free and confidential testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, as well as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services to prevent HIV. In collaboration with the RI DOH, the Clinic serves as a referral source across the state for complicated STI cases.