Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Get tested. Why not!
“Get Tested. Why not?” an innovative way to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youth
What: “Get Tested. Why Not?” is an innovative campaign available in both French and English that promotes sexual health among young through the following new technologies:
• Online assessment tool - for youth to access STI information and assess their risk for chlamydia and gonorrhea, to prompt appropriate testing.
• SMS texting service (“Text - Gettexted to 365247”) – for youth to have sexual health messages texted to their phones to promote healthy sexuality and learn about local resources.
• New website for STI testing (gettestedwhynot.ca) – for youth to download a laboratory requisition form to take to local labs for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. Follow-up of positive tests will be conducted by nurses and physicians from the OPH Sexual Health Centre and free treatment will be made available.
Why: Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most frequently reported STIs in Canada and are on the rise in young people aged 15 – 29 in Ottawa. In response to this increasing rate in STIs, OPH has developed a bilingual campaign to increase public awareness and to promote access to regular testing for STIs. Use of the new technologies will extend the reach of health promotion messaging and decrease barriers to clinical services for young adults. Increased testing and detection of STIs can lead to a reduction in the spread of STIs.
www.gettestedwhynot.ca
www.sefairetesterpourquoipas.ca
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Christiane Bouchard, Project Officer by calling 613-580-2424 extension 28680 or by e-mail at Christiane.Bouchard@Ottawa.ca.
|