Posted on 12/15/2005 9:03:21 AM PST by Millee
In an age when many search for sex on the Internet, Los Angeles County health officials on Wednesday unveiled a controversial tool to fight the spread of HIV and other diseases: a website that helps send anonymous e-mail warning people that they might be infected.
Through the website, inSPOTLA.org, users can send a free, unsigned electronic postcard with a standard message or a personal note, thus avoiding an awkward conversation that many people would rather not have. The idea is to help people be more forthcoming with sexual partners so those at risk of sexually transmitted diseases get tested and practice safer sex.The website, which anyone can use but is primarily aimed at people who seek casual sex online, is part of a broader national campaign. San Francisco launched a website in October 2004 that covered other infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, which has generated about 20,000 e-mails. Only this month did it include HIV. Seattle, Philadelphia and Indiana are planning to launch inSPOT sites next year.
"It will help more people get tested early," said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, public health director for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, which has invested more than $14,000 in the effort so far and plans to spend $8,000 annually on its operation. "We can get people into treatment and get them to modify their behavior."
But some say the e-cards are an insensitive way to inform people of unpleasant or even alarming news. "There's something about an anonymous e-mail that is a chicken way to do it," said Jeffrey Prang, a West Hollywood councilman.
Others worry that the online tool could be ripe for abuse by pranksters.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Dear (name here), I hate to tell you this, but you may have (check all that apply). Lovely.
Really! I spend every year in school with my sleeves rolled up being checked for scabies.
People aren't expected to be responsible for anything anymore.
Talk about a computer virus.
The prank/revenge aspect is the first thing that I thought of.
Online tool. Yep.
Only a gay man would come up with this nonsense.
How about exercising a bit of self-control?
Why is the government involved in this at all? Talk about a waste of taxpayer $$$$$$$$. How many infected folks are actually going to send these emails???
Of course, at the end of the message is "But there is good news. I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico."
I dont know about the rest of you but I dont want a stinking email after the sex act telling me I might have AIDS. How about telling that before they have sex.
Some clown with Aids goes around screwing and spreading his disease and relieves his conscience after the act?? Hang that Bastid.
You've got ...leprosy.
(shuffles off to check out the site ;) )
On my B-52 crew the motto was: "Nothing's too cruel, as long as it's funny."
I once convinced a friend of mine that she was being arrested for murdering me. You should've heard her scream.
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