FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  Connecticut Department of Public Health

April 19, 2010                                                William Gerrish

                                                                       (860) 509-7270

Hartford – The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), in observance of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Month, is encouraging people who are sexually active to consider their sexual health and “Get Yourself Tested” for STDs.

“Taking care of your sexual health is very important as many STDs, if untreated, can lead to serious complications and illness,” stated DPH Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin.  “Since many STDs have no signs or symptoms, it is important that people who are sexually active are tested regularly to prevent serious illness and spread of the disease.”

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) pose a serious public health threat to Americans – particularly young women, African Americans, men who have sex with men (MSM), and individuals living in poverty or with limited access to healthcare.  Approximately 19 million new sexually transmitted infections occur every year in the United States – and almost half of these are among young people aged 15 to 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  One in four adults in the United States has an STD.

There are several public STD clinics throughout the state, which offer STD testing at no charge.  Anyone who is 13 years of age or older can be treated or tested for STDs confidentially and without parental consent.  This year, Connecticut STD Testing Day will be recognized on April 29, encouraging those who are sexually active to get tested for STDs.

It is important that people who test positive for an STD notify their partners so that they can be tested and treated as well.  If you have difficulty locating or telling your partners, there are confidential programs in place to assist with partner notification. 

For a list of clinics or information about partner notification, visit the DPH Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Program website at www.ct.gov/dph/std or call (860) 509-7920.  Connecticut STD statistics are available online at http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3136&q=388500. 

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state.  To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.