| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: April 6, 2023 | CONTACT: Natasha Young, Public Information Officer PH: 770-531-5679 | FAX: 770-535-5958 Natasha.Young@dph.ga.gov |
GAINESVILLE, GA – In 2018, the CDC estimated one in five people in the U.S. have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or about 20 percent of the population. Each year public health uses the second full week of April to bring awareness to STI prevention and reduce the stigma around testing and treatment.
District 2 Public Health is ensuring our communities have the tools and knowledge to prevent, test and treat STIs. Public health is focused on prevention and encouraging sexually active adults to make a game plan to protect themselves from STIs. This year, the theme is “Prepare Before You’re There.”
It is important to be intentional and make a plan before becoming sexually active. Talk with your partner about prevention methods, get tested before engaging in sex, and get treated if you are diagnosed with an STI.
Knowing your STI status is critical to stopping STI transmission. You can protect yourself and your partner by:
- Not having sex (abstinence)
- Getting tested at least one time per year
- Getting vaccinated with the HPV vaccine
- Reducing your number of sex partners
- Only being sexually active with one partner. They must also agree to only be sexually active with you.
- Using condoms
All District 2 Health Departments provide STI testing, treatment and FREE condoms. Contact your local health department to schedule your STI testing appointment today! For more information visit phdistrict2.org/std-hiv-testing/.
-END-