Digital Scholarship and Initiatives

Robeson County was ranked 18th in the nation in 2000 for rate of syphilis cases and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may rank 13th in 2001. The 2000 rate was 50.2 cases per 100,000 people. Most cases occurred among Lumbee people.

The county health department has a syphilis outreach specialist, April Oxendine. Methods that are being used to address the problem include centers for condom distribution in high-risk areas; providing safe-sex kits to male and female prostitutes; forming a faith community coalition to talk to congregations about the problem and promote the “Healing Lodge,” which offers assistance to the homeless, prostitutes, and others in need.