$3.2 Million Approved in STD Suit

$3.2 Million Approved in STD Suit

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The Cook County Board on Wednesday approved a $3.2 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over jail screening for sexually transmitted diseases.

The suit alleges a lack of cleanliness, privacy and consent in some tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

If a federal judge approves the deal, more than 32,000 former inmates will be eligible for at least $100 each.

The jail stopped screening men for STDs in January to cut costs.

At today’s meeting, some board members urged the program’s restoration.

They warned of long-term costs as former inmates spread undiagnosed STDs.