Media Release

This press release put out at the request of the Alachua County Health Department.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Nationally, the month of April is observed as Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Month. The focus of this observance is to publicly raise awareness through preventive methods and to encourage individuals to get tested and to know their status.

Statistically, sexually transmitted diseases remain a public health challenge both nationally and locally. CDC estimates that approximately 19 million people, mostly between the ages of 15-24, will be infected each year. Although the numbers have significantly decreased since prevention and education has been the focus, there is still a profound need to decrease the prevalence of STD’s. Ensuring that everyone has access to STD prevention, treatment and care covers all of the levels of prevention.

The theme for this month is “The 3T’s to prevent the spread of STDS: Talk, Test, and Treat.” Talk to your partner and your health care provider about risk factors, safer sex methods and how to get tested. Get Tested, find a close location and make an appointment. And Treat the disease and avoid additional health problems. 

The Alachua County Health Department supports the focus of primary prevention using education, but also understands the importance of testing and treating. We encourage the community to help stop the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, get tested and know your status. 

For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/std/, http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdalachua/ or call 352-334-7900

Our Mission: To protect and promote the health of all residents and visitors in Alachua County