(Press Release courtesy of the Southwest Georgia Public Health District)
ALBANY – During STD Awareness Month, Southwest Health District is maintaining ongoing efforts to stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases by offering free testing and education and dispensing free condoms.
According to the National Centers for Disease Control, STDs are at a record high in the United States.
Southwest Health District is seeing higher rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea than other sexually transmitted infections (such as syphilis and HIV), noted Southwest Health District Epidemiologist Jacqueline Jenkins. However, she said, all STD infections are worrisome.
“HIV/AIDS is of significant importance to Public Health due to its continued rise in certain populations, and its clustering in the rural South,” she said. “Because of our high rates, social stigmas and the advancement in treatment and prevention option, heightening awareness of HIV/AIDS is a priority in our area.”
Jenkins said youth ages 13 through 18 and young adults 19 through 24 are a priority for all sexually transmitted infections. “Young black and Latino males who have sex with males are a priority for HIV/STDs,” she said.
“The only way to be sure about your HIV and STD status is to get tested,” added Remy Hutchins, Southwest Health District’s Infectious Disease Program Director. “HIV testing and condoms are provided at no cost at local health departments.”
Further, STD testing (other than HIV) is available at county health departments at little or no cost, she said. “Or you can contact your local healthcare provider,” Hutchins said.
Hutchins said Southwest Health District is working with partners during April to help protect college students against STDs.
“We have collaborated with Albany State University Student Health Services and Project STOP to provide HIV and STD testing at ASU East and West Campus this month,” she said.
“In addition, we are working with local area night clubs to set up free condom dispensers to increase access to condoms in the community.”
Correct use of condoms provides a high level of protection against contracting most sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infections. In addition to HIV/AIDS, STDs can result in infertility, pregnancy complications, pelvic abscesses, abdominal pain and recurrent skin sores.
The good news is that there are ways to interrupt the spread of STDs, said Southwest District Health Director Dr. Charles Ruis. “Three powerful ways are through abstinence, monogamy and condom use.”
Other ways include:
Talk—Talk openly about STDs with your partner and healthcare providers
Test—Get tested. It’s the only way to know if you have an STD.
Treat—If you have an STD, work with your provider to get the right medicine for yourself and possibly your partner.
To learn more about STDs, go to https://www.cdc.gov/std/hiv/.
Follow the Southwest Georgia Network on Twitter @swganetwork.
