In recognition of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Month, all county health departments in the Coastal Health District will be offering free STI screening events throughout the month of April.
The purpose of STI Awareness Month is to educate people about the risks and consequences of STIs, encourage regular testing and screening, and reduce the stigma associated with them. It also aims to promote prevention and treatment options.
About 1 in 5 people in the United States has an STI. Left untreated, STIs can lead to serious health issues, affect fertility, and be passed along to partners. Many infections don’t cause symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to get tested.
The good news is that all STIs can be treated, and most can be cured. Testing is the first step. STI testing is available at all health departments in the Coastal Health District throughout the year.
The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can take action to protect your health and your partner’s health. For more information about STI prevention, testing and treatment, visit the Coastal Health District website at coastalhealthdistrict.org/sti.