April is STD Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise public awareness about the negative impact of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) as well as the importance of individuals discussing sexual health with their health care provider and sexual partners. STDs are a major public health issue in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are approximately 19 million new cases of STDs in the U.S. each year, almost half of them among young people ages 15 to 24. In 2016, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reported approximately 4,400 cases of chlamydia, 850 cases of gonorrhea, and over 30 cases of syphilis. Many of those who are infected don’t know it because many STDs do not have any symptoms. The only sure way to know if you have a STD is to get tested.
During the month of April there will be a display about STDs in the main lobby of the Community Services Building. Please take the time to visit the display. STDs are preventable and treatable. Working together to build awareness will help us prevent the spread of STDs in our community!
Richland County Family Planning provides STD testing along with providing educational material related to STDs. To make an appointment for STD testing or for more information, call Lesley Thiessen, RN at the Richland County Health Department at 406-433-2207.
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