STD Awareness Week: Protecting and Educating Communities

STD Awareness Week takes place during the second full week of April (April 13-19, 2025) to encourage open conversations about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), reduce stigma, and promote testing, treatment, and prevention. Early detection is critical to managing and curing many STDs while preventing long-term health complications.

This week provides an opportunity to advocate for safer sexual health practices and education, particularly in communities where misinformation remains a barrier to preventive healthcare.

Three Facts:

1. The CDC estimates approximately 20 million new STD infections occur each year in the U.S., with the highest rates among people aged 15 to 24.
2. Many STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, are curable while others, such as herpes and HIV, are manageable with early testing and medical intervention.
3. Undiagnosed STDs can lead to severe long-term health issues, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, or an increased risk of HIV infection.

How You Can Help:

1. Share educational content emphasizing the importance of getting tested regularly, regardless of perceived risk.
2. Partner with local health organizations to provide free or low-cost testing in communities.
3. Reduce stigma by hosting workshops or events that teach participants about safe sexual health practices in a shame-free environment.

Three Resources:

1. CDC: STD Awareness Resources – Fact sheets, campaign tools, and prevention guidelines.
2. Planned Parenthood – Affordable STD testing, treatment, and counseling services.
3. American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) – Up-to-date information on sexual health and support options.