MADISON – Once again, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI) is participating in a month-long community health initiative to encourage people be informed about and to get tested for STDs. As part of GYT: Get Yourself Tested, PPWI is offering free STD testing at all 19 family planning health centers throughout Wisconsin during the month of April. GYT is a national campaign focused on helping young people take control of their sexual health. As part of the effort, PPWI is also sharing videos to help educate young people about reproductive health care.
You can watch PPWI’s video series here.
Young people are most at risk for STDs, but they can impact people of any age. Of the 20 million new STD cases each year, half are among 15-24 year olds — and most won’t know it. The only way to know for sure whether you have an STD is by getting tested. Getting comfortable talking about STDs, using protection, and getting tested is an integral part of a healthy, happy sex life.
“Open, honest communication about STDs is a critical skill that young people need to learn in order to be safe and healthy, and education plays a key role in developing this skill,” said Meghan Benson, Director of Community Education at PPWI. “PPWI offers STD testing, treatment, education and information to help everyone in our community take charge of their sexual health.”
Preventing the spread of STDs is a core part of Planned Parenthood’s health services and education efforts. In 2014, Planned Parenthood health centers provided 4.2 million tests and treatments for STDs, including HIV. And in 2014, Planned Parenthood served its highest percentage of male patients than ever before — primarily for STD testing. Many health centers offer HIV prevention tools like PEP and PrEP, a daily drug regimen to help prevent HIV.
At Planned Parenthood, our doors are open to everyone — regardless of race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, country of origin, faith, immigrant and refugee status, or to those who may otherwise have nowhere else to turn for health care. We believe that all people deserve high-quality, affordable health care, education, and information, no matter who they are, where they live, or where they come from.
To find a Planned Parenthood health center near you, or to find more information about STDs, visit plannedparenthood.org.
Press Release from Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.
