CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – To help reduce the rate of Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections (STDs), Linn County Public Health is encouraging residents to GYT—Get Yourself Tested—during National STD Awareness Month. Throughout April, FREE STD (Chlamydia and Gonorrhea) and Rapid HIV testing is available between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday at Linn County Public Health.
STDs have been identified as a priority public health issue by the Linn County Community Health Needs Assessment. In 2012 there were 1,267 Linn County residents who were diagnosed with an STD. The majority of cases are diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 15 and 24. Yet, the reported cases represent just a fraction of the true burden of STDs because many cases are undiagnosed. It is estimated that one in two sexually active young people will have an STI by age 25, but most won’t know because many STDs do not show symptoms. If left untreated, STDs can cause serious health problems and may even cause infertility.
April marks an annual observance to raise awareness about the impact of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the importance of discussing sexual health with health-care providers and sex partners. The CDC estimates 20 million new STDs occur every year in the United States. However, STD screening can help detect infections early, and when combined with treatment, is one of the most effective tools to prevent the spread of STDs.
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More information about STDs is available at www.cdc.gov/std or call 319-892-6093 to speak with a nurse at Linn County Public Health. Linn County Public Health is located at 501 13th Street NW, Cedar Rapids, IA.