      Canton City Health Department
                            James M. Adams, R.S., M.P.H., Health Commissioner

                          Promoting and Protecting Health Since 1849

420 Market Ave. North
Canton, Ohio 44702
(330) 489-3231
(330) 489-3335 (fax)
Info@cantonhealth.org

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STD Awareness Month 2008

April is National STD Awareness Month in Ohio. During the observance of National STD Awareness Month, the Canton City Health Department (CCHD) encourages all Canton and surrounding area residents to learn about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STDs are one of the state’s most persistent health problems. Studies indicate that nearly 2/3 of all STDs occur in people younger than 25 years of age. Of increasing concern is the fact that, in the presence of other STDs, the risk of transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) increases 2- to 3- fold and, in the presence of lesions, 3- to 5- fold. Public awareness and knowledge are critically low around the country and STDs remain at epidemic levels. STDs cause many harmful, often irreversible, and costly clinical complications, such as reproductive health problems, fetal and perinatal health problems, and cancer. Access to high-quality health care is essential for early detection and treatment, and behavior-change counseling for STDs is a key component to decrease an individual’s risk. National STD Awareness Month is a national health observance sponsored by the American Social Health Association (ASHA) to help break the silence and alert everyone to the growing crisis of STDs in America.

CCHD conducts a “FREE” walk-in STD testing clinic on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 8 am to 10:30 am each week. HIV testing, only, is offered “FREE” as a walk-in clinic on Wednesday from 1:30 pm to 3 pm and the second Thursday of every month from 4 pm – 6:45 pm (4/10/2008).

For 2006 STD surveillance information, visit www.cdc.gov/std/Syphilis2006/default.htm.

For STD picture cards, visit www.cdc.gov/std/training/picturecards-warning.htm.

For American Social Health Association “how to use a condom,” visit www.ashastd.org.

For STD Fact Sheets, visit www.cdc.gov/std/healthcomm/fact_sheets.htm.