Fifth Annual Statewide Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing & Prevention Week

Rates of the three reportable sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STD/STIs) -- chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis -- continue to rise at an alarming rate both nationally and in Minnesota, especially among young people. One step to addressing these disparities is encouraging youth to take charge of their sexual health by increasing access to free and low-cost sexual health education, testing, and treatment.

The Community Restoring Urban Youth Sexual Health (CRUSH) partnership will be doing just that during the fifth annual STD/STI testing and prevention week April 8-12, 2019 as a part of National STD/STI awareness month. The purpose of this week is to promote public awareness about Minnesota’s rising STD/STI rates, reduce the stigma of getting an STD/STI test, and connect youth to clinics and preventive services near them.

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are just three of many sexually transmitted infections that can impact a person’s life long health and wellbeing. In 2017, 30,981 new STD/STI cases were reported in Minnesota – an 8 percent increase from 2016. Of particular concern are significant increases in new cases of syphilis and gonorrhea in Minnesota. There was a 10 percent increase in syphilis rates, a 28 percent increase in gonorrhea rates and a 4 percent increase in chlamydia rates, compared to 2016.

Young people in Minnesota are disproportionately burdened by STDs/STIs, especially youth of color and American Indian youth, as well as youth from communities experiencing social, economic and health-related inequalities.

CRUSH works to ensure a brighter future for young people by raising awareness of these inequities and improving the sexual health of young people in Minnesota’s most impacted communities. CRUSH is a partnership of youth-serving organizations, Youth Council members, and community members formed in mid-2013 to address the increasing rates of chlamydia infections among teens and young adults. Last year during STD/STI testing day, CRUSH tested and treated many young people across Minnesota. CRUSH officials say they expect the 2019 testing and prevention week to continue to increase the number of participating clinics as well as number of tests and treatments.

Some STD/STIs can cause long-term health problems. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cancer in men and women later in life. HPV-associated cancer rates have been increasing in Minnesota. The most common types of HPV-associated cancer are head and neck (oropharyngeal) cancer for men and cervical cancer for women. The HPV vaccine could prevent over 90 percent of six types of cancer caused by HPV. People who are age 18 and older should talk to their health care provider about getting the HPV vaccine if they have not already. People younger than 18 can talk to their parent or guardian about getting the vaccine and let them know that it protects them from a virus that causes cancer.

This observance hopes to reach sexually active youth ages 13-26 and connect them with clinics that provide STD/STI services in the Metro Area and in Greater Minnesota. The observance will spread the word that STD/STI testing is private and confidential and there are free and low-cost options available.

For more information on STD/STI Testing and Prevention Week and to learn more about Minnesota’s rising STD/STI rates, please visit the CRUSH Facebook page.