The fifth annual GYT: Get Yourself Tested
campaign kicks off in April (National STD Awareness Month) with online
and on-the-ground initiatives across the country. GYT is a national
campaign designed to promote sexual health and address the high rates of
STIs among those under 25.
New data
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that
sexually transmitted infections are on the rise in the United States,
especially among young people. There are now about 20 million new
infections in the United States each year, half among the under 25 age
group — even though they represent only 25 percent of the sexually
experienced population.
“Getting tested is simply a basic part of staying healthy and taking
control of your sex life. Many STIs cause no symptoms, so the only way
to know your status for sure is to get tested,” said Amy Dickson, vice
president of clinical operations at PPRM. “We know that when not
treated, STIs can increase the risk of infertility and cervical cancer —
but that virtually all STIs, including HIV, are treatable and many are
curable. The sooner you know your status, the sooner you can get
treated.”
During the month of April, PPRM will offer reduced cost testing, $10
HIV testing and $10 chlamydia/gonorrhea testing, at each of the health
centers on select dates, see our website
for more details. In addition, PPRM will mark the month by hosting
tabling events on college campuses throughout the affiliate, in addition
to hosting a Sex Trivia night in Denver on April 10. Planned
Parenthood health centers offer low-cost STI testing throughout the
year, and their doors are open to everyone.
“Getting tested is easier than ever before. For example, rapid HIV
tests can provide results in as fast as 10 minutes from just a finger
prick,” said Dickson. “Once you know your status, you can take action
to stay healthy and protect yourself against future STIs. We want
everyone — men, women, and young people — to lead the healthiest lives
possible.”
During last year’s GYT campaign, Planned Parenthood health centers
nationwide tested over 332,000 men and women and Planned Parenthood
affiliates held nearly 300 events reaching over 14,000 people.
As part of the effort to create the healthiest generation ever, Planned
Parenthood works every day to reduce the U.S.’s high rates of sexually
transmitted infections through education, testing, and treatment. Every
year, Planned Parenthood health centers provide nearly 4.5 million
tests and treatments for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
The award-winning GYT campaign focuses on getting
sexually active Americans under age 25 to embrace STI testing as part of
a healthy, productive life. Launched in 2009 by a partnership between
MTV, the Kaiser Family Foundation, Planned Parenthood Federation of
America, and the CDC, it is supported by a broad range of organizations,
state and local health departments, colleges and universities, and
other community groups and non-profits. GYT public
service messages air throughout the year on MTV channels with cross
promotions with health centers and community organizations.