DOH Leon Marks National STD Awareness Week 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 11, 2022

DOH Leon Recognizes National STD Awareness Week

Sexually transmitted diseases can affect anyone, so it’s important to know how to protect yourself.

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH Leon) joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others in recognizing April 10-16 as Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Week. This year’s theme is, “Get Yourself Tested.”

Nationally and here in Leon County, sexually transmitted infections remain a serious public health concern.

 “Working together to build awareness will help prevent the spread of STDs throughout our community,” said Sandon S. Speedling, MHS, CPM, CPH, DOH Leon Interim Health Officer.  “Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know they have an STD because many STDs show no signs or symptoms. This week and throughout the month of April, DOH Leon is placing special emphasis on how to prevent STDs and the importance of testing and treatment.”

In 2021, Leon County documented 107 cases of infectious syphilis. New case rates (incidence rates) are up among men who have sex with men but are also rising among heterosexual partners and across the board among young people. Cases of congenital syphilis (babies born with syphilis) are also increasing. DOH Leon works closely with a diverse group of community and health care partners to confront the uptick in syphilis rates. These groups meet regularly sharing data, prevention strategies, and trainings.

Throughout the week, and during the rest of this month, DOH Leon’s Disease Intervention Specialists will support and participate in screening and educational outreach activities to raise STD awareness. Among them, a free and confidential mobile HIV/STDs testing event in Frenchtown with Neighborhood Medical Center.

Date:         April 29, 2022

Location:  Time Saver Convenience Store

Address:   518 W. Brevard Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Time:        11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

To prevent the spread of all STDs, including syphilis, DOH Leon provides free screening, counseling, treatment, and partner notification services to persons with or suspected of having STDs at our clinics. Call 850-404-6403 to speak with a specialist, confidentially, about any matter and get linked to care. For more information, visit the DOH Leon website.

“If patients and their sexual partners get proper medical treatment, they may avoid transmitting infections to others and developing life-long complications,” said Speedling.

According to the CDC, the surest way to avoid sexually transmitted infections is to not have sex. However, if you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances:

• Be in a long-term, monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for syphilis and other STDs;
• Use protection the right way, including condoms;
• Talk to your health care provider about getting testing for syphilis and other STDs or locate a clinic near you for free and confidential testing;
• If you test positive for syphilis or other STDs, get treated right away and be sure your sexual partner is treated as well to reduce the risk of re-infection.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Follow the Florida Department of Health in Leon County on Twitter at @healthyleonfl

Media Contact:

Pamela Saulsby

Public Information Officer

Pamela.saulsby@flhealth.gov