GET READY, GET SET, GO,GET TESTED!
April is STD Awareness Month
SWAP has gathered these major resources to help you design an STD Awareness campaign for your community. STDs can be prevented, treated, and often cured. Use these resources to keep it simple and convenient!
• CDC has what you need to get involved: information, promotional materials to download, and a registry to promote your activities. Rely on the CDC communication tools to notify the local media. http://www.cdcnpin.org/stdawareness/sam.htm
• In partnership with the California Family Health Council (CFHC) and Internet Sexuality Information Services, Inc., (ISIS), the California Department of Public Health STD Control Branch has been developing a youth-focused text-messaging program called "Hookup 365/247" which will be launched statewide on April 1st. By sending the word "hookup" as a text message to 365247, youth can get "hooked-up" with weekly tips on sexual health and can enter their zip-code to obtain local clinic referrals for STD testing and reproductive health services. The number was chosen because anyone can use the service 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Youth will also be linked to CFHC's www.Teensource.org website where they can get further information about how to protect themselves from STDs and unintended pregnancies and make responsible sexual health choices.
• The STD Control Branch, in collaboration with Better World Advertising, developed a resource for medical providers and gay and other men who have sex with men. The site contains screening and treatment recommendations, information about creating a welcoming environment for LGBT patients, and patient information about risks and symptoms of STDs. Visit the site at www.STDCheckup.org .
• Center for AIDS Research, Education and Services (CARES) along with Sacramento community leaders, is setting a high standard for all California communities. Their goal: In five years, we will have no new cases of HIV diagnosed in Sacramento. To learn more, join and/or follow their example, link to http://areyouthedifference.org/committee-documents.html
• Basic awareness often begins with knowing the STD rates in your county. Provide your community with the latest data from the STD Control Branch, http://www.cdph.ca.gov/data/statistics/Pages/STDLHJData.aspx Use this data in flyers, press releases, or on your website!
• The SWAP site has many useful materials for your campaign. Link to http://www.stdhivtraining.org/material_swap.html and enter key word "test" to download materials.
In April, SWAP will feature the text messaging campaign HOOKUP 365/247
along with more materials and resources.
CONTINUE STD AWARENESS ALL YEAR LONG!