The staggering and growing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the Cuyahoga County are mostly made up of the youth population. In the year 2006, more than 70% of the reported cases of chlamydia infections and about 60% of gonorrhea cases were among those aged 15-24. A steady number of infections were noted to preteens as young as 10 years old.
According to the Cleveland Department of Public Health, the statistics showed that there is a tremendous increase for STD infections in the suburban areas. Females also represent majority of the cases, most likely because they more often get STD tests than males. The black youth also have the highest STD infection rates. Many health officials are also concerned because these infections, which can be easily treated with antibiotics, make these teens more susceptible to serious illnesses like HIV/AIDS.
Cleveland’s Health Commissioner, Karen Butler, said that the youth should easily have access to STD testing and treatment. Young people should also be taught how to protect themselves and be assured that they would not be judged for it.
The state government is doing its part, along with many community organizations, by sending mobile clinics to recreation centers and places where teens assemble; and conducting serious efforts to get more comprehensive sex education programs like Teens Talking to Teens. Teens are informed about wrong myths with regards to sex, condom use and are getting educated about STDs. They are also encouraged to get an STD test once every six months or every time they have new sexual partner.
Self-testing is also one way that teens and even sexually active people can protect themselves. This way, they can also avail of early treatment. STD test kits are available from sources like Testcountry which are not only convenient but affordable and safe as well. Testcountry’s STD test kits are available online at Testcountry.com. Teens aged 13 and older can get confidential STD testing and treatment without parental notification in the following local STD testing centers:
• The Free Clinic
12201 Euclid Avenue
Phone: (216) 721-4010
• Thomas F. McCafferty Health Center
4242 Lorain Ave.
Phone: (216) 651-5005
• J. Glen Smith Health Center
11100 St. Clair Ave.
Phone: (216) 249-4100
Other STD testing centers located in the Cleveland-Lorain-Elyria regions include:
• Lorain Health Center (Planned Parenthood)
YWCA Women’s Center
200 W. 9th Street, Lorain, OH 44052
Phone: (440) 242-2087
Fax: (440)242-2089
• Advanced HIV/STD Testing
26151 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44132
Phone: (866) 920-9150
• Any Lab Test Now
740 Richmond Road, Richmond Heights OH, 44143
Phone: (216) 834-2861
Loading ...