(P206) STATE AND TERRITORIAL HEALTH AGENCIES USING POLICY TO ADDRESS STI DRUG SHORTAGES

Background:
The complexity of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) drug shortage policy landscape poses significant challenges for health agencies, the nation, and patients as they access critical medications. Recent and historic shortages have underscored the importance of identifying policy solutions to better support state and territorial health agencies and their partners as they prepare for and mitigate STI drug shortages.

Methods:
In early 2024, ASTHO conducted a literature review and informational interviews with public health partners and staff from more than 5 state and territorial health agencies to better understand policy levers that health agency staff can use to address STI drug shortages. Qualitative coding included tracking policy options that health agencies can leverage to address STI drug shortages, as well as practical considerations for implementation.

Results:
ASTHO identified specific policy options and strategies that may be used by state and territorial health agencies to address drug shortages. The results fit thematically into broader strategies such as prioritizing patients for treatment, prescribing alternative treatments, developing and sustaining partnerships to increase drug access, approaches to monitoring available stock, and more. Challenges identified include longer timelines and more severe side effects of alternative treatments regimens, and lack of funding for staff time and expertise to implement strategies.

Conclusion:
Despite significant challenges, state and territorial health agencies have found innovative and effective approaches to addressing drug shortages in their jurisdiction, which may be replicable in other contexts.