HIV/STI Partner Services

couple in bed

Have you discussed your status with your partner?

If you are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or HIV, one of the most difficult and important things you need to do is notify your partners.

Notifying your sex and/or needle-sharing partners is one of the many FREE services offered by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). Our highly-trained Partner Services professionals will help locate your current and past partners to let them know of their possible exposure to STIs and/or HIV.

Why Is Partner Services Important?

Partner Services is essential in reducing STIs and HIV in your community and keeping you from getting re-infected or exposed again.

Finding out that you might have an STI or HIV is never good news. Having someone ask about your sex life or drug use may feel uncomfortable—like an invasion of your privacy.

However, partner services is very important because some STIs and HIV may have no symptoms and many people may not know they’re infected unless they get tested.

And remember, partner services is always VOLUNTARY and CONFIDENTIAL.

Benefits of Partner Services

In addition to helping you notify your partners, our Partner Services professionals will connect your partners with immediate testing, counseling, treatment, and referrals for other services. Partner Services staff can also link HIV-positive clients to care and treatment, risk-reduction counseling, and information about other available assistance.

For individuals who test HIV-negative, Partner Services staff can provide information or referrals to prevention counseling and other services that can help people learn to reduce their risk of getting STIs and HIV.

Which Partners Should Be Notified?

All sex and/or needle-sharing partners within the past TWO MONTHS (at a minimum) need to be notified, examined, tested, and possibly treated.

Correct testing and treatment of all your partners is essential to prevent the spread of STIs and HIV and to reduce the negative health effects. Partner Services will also ensure that you aren’t re-infected. Your Partner Services professional will help you to develop a notification plan when you talk to them about your partners.

Useful Tips When Telling Your Partners

  • Try practicing by yourself first; Say the words out loud.
  • Pick a safe place and time to discuss this matter.
  • Be yourself and speak with confidence.
  • Remain calm; If you’re upset, your partner may think it’s worse than it is.
  • Don’t try to predict their response; They may or may not make a big deal.
  • Know that you’re doing the right thing!

Resources

Community Area Confidential Partner Services Provider Phone Number
Citywide Chicago Department of Public Health - Partner Services
(Chicagoland)		 312.742.2883
Citywide Cook County HIV Integrated Programs 312.572.4515
South University of Chicago Sexual Wellness Clinic
(Chicago - Southeast Side)		 866.747.0074

Additional Resources:

Tellyourpartner.org is a secure anonymous platform to notify your partner via text.