Sunday, November 8, 2026

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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Details

Syphilis rates have tripled in Australia over the past decade, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, screening and early intervention across a range of health and community settings. People accessing alcohol and other drug (AOD) services often face additional barriers to care and are at increased risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including syphilis. Staff working in these settings are uniquely positioned to support timely access to testing, treatment, and care. ASHM – the peak body for the sexual health and blood-borne virus (BBV) workforce in Australia – is delivering a workshop designed for both clinical and non-clinical staff in AOD services. This workshop explores the current syphilis landscape in Australia and its relevance to AOD settings, with a focus on practical, whole-of-service strategies to support timely access to sexual health care. Participants will learn how to recognise risk factors, identify signs and symptoms and when to screen, navigate referral pathways, and use trauma-informed approaches to initiate sexual health conversations and reduce barriers to care. Register here: https://ashm.org.au/education/wa-opportunities-for-sexual-health-in-aod-settings-a-whole-of-service-response-to-syphilis/