STD Awareness Week (April 11-17, 2021)
This STD Awareness Week, Care Resource encourages individuals and medical providers to “Talk. Test. Treat.” These three simple actions protect the health of patients and their partners. The campaign reinforces that all STDs are preventable and treatable, and most are curable.
Quality medical care includes open and honest conversation about sexual health. Care Resource providers create a safe and inclusive space for patients to discuss their sexual history. Our providers begin an open conversation to develop a sense of the patients’ needs. Healthcare providers may discuss STD prevention options for a patient’s consideration, including condoms, HPV vaccination, or daily medication that protects against HIV.
Our providers can identify which STD screenings would benefit specific patients and encourage them to take these steps toward wellness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening is recommended for all sexually-active women younger than 25 years, as well as older women with risk factors, such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has an STD. Screening at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea is suggested for all sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM who have multiple or anonymous partners should be screened more frequently for STDs (i.e., every three to six months). Lastly, all adults and adolescents from age 13 to age 64 should be tested at least once for HIV. Sexually-active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent testing (i.e., perhaps every three to six months).
Access to essential sexual wellness tests and screenings during a pandemic keeps communities healthy and thriving. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on in-person consultations and facility-based services, it is more important now than ever to continue providing a path to STD testing & treatment. Care Resource’s telehealth services ensure access to our medical providers and testing counselors. Through the health center’s At-Home HIV Testing Program, eligible individuals can receive virtual support while taking a rapid HIV test in privacy.
Following an STD test, Care Resource provides support through treatment and linkage to other support services if needed. Competent medical providers ensure that STDS are treated correctly, prioritizing the patients’ overall and long-term health. Our qualified providers are here to talk with individuals from all walks of life, provide essential screenings and treat patients so they can live happier, healthier lives.
