TISH: Sexual Health Information for Jefferson County via Text

TISH, Text Information Sexual Health, is a service for youth and young adults to receive answers about their sexual health through text. Jefferson County Public Health nurses receive and answer texts about sex, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), testing and all other topics regarding sexual health.

The text line is confidential and trustworthy, providing reliable information on sensitive topics that teens and young adults may otherwise be uncomfortable inquiring about. 

Here’s how it works: First, text the word “question” to (720) 446-TISH (8474) anytime. Once you receive a response, text your question and a Public Health Nurse will respond between the hours of 9am-5pm Monday through Friday. That’s it!

For more information on TISH, visit our Go Ask TISH website.

An online tutorial on TISH and how to use it is available in our Go Ask TISH Video.

Safe Sex

Access to sexual and reproductive health services is essential for healthy populations. JCPH supports all women’s and men’s rights to such access. The Family Planning Program provides comprehensive contraceptive services to Jefferson County residents. Services include education, counseling, medical examination, treatment and birth control methods for men and women.
Reproductive health and birth control (family planning) services are available at our Arvada and Lakewood locations. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale and to people with Medicaid. No one is denied services due to the inability to pay.  In addition to providing birth control pills and condoms to prevent unintended pregnancies, the department offers alternatives through long acting birth control methods, including no scalpel vasectomy for men. Remember, some activities are definitely high risk for HIV, STIs and Hepatitis infection. Protect yourself and your partner . . . wear a condom and get tested!

·         For appointments in Lakewood: 303-239-7078 or in Arvada: 303-275-7500.

·         View the JCPH Sex Ed with Mel video on birth control

·         Youth and young adults in Jefferson County can also use Go Ask TISH to get answers about their sexual health.

·         Get with Public Health, like us on Facebook. 

National Condom Month

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) reminds everyone, that having safe sex means using a condom. Other forms of birth control may prevent pregnancies; however, they do not prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to a recent survey, almost 40% of US high school students said that they did not use a condom during their last sexual encounter. 

If you are sexually active and have not been using a condom, you are at risk. Get tested at one of our clinic locations in Lakewood or Arvada. Call 303-232-6301 for an appointment. And, when sexually active, make sure you or your partner uses a condom!

What Does Your Insurance Cover?

ATTENTION SEXUALLY ACTIVE and RESPONSIBLE LADIES!

Many of us were taught at an early age to take charge of our health, our bodies and our minds. That is why many of today’s sexually active women rely on family planning services.  Unfortunately, for so many women the pocketbook gets in the way of making responsible choices when it comes to the use and availability of contraception choices.  Getting on a birth control pill, the patch, an IUD or any other female form of birth control involves visiting a healthcare provider.  Even if you have insurance, contraception and family planning services may not be covered. 

Under the The Affordable Care Act, insured women are meant to have better coverage and access to  preventive services including birth control.  Not necessarily. Recently, a friend of mine found out that her policy does not and will not cover contraception.  During a recent visit to get birth control services for her college-aged daughters, who are covered under her plan, she was told that despite having insurance there was no form of contraception that would be covered.  She was confused.  How is better and more affordable access possible if your plan denies coverage?

Upon further research, my friend discovered that because her insurance provider, through her spouse’s employment, was faith based they were exempt from the Affordable Care Act’s requirement.  In fact, any plan sponsored by certain religious employers or group health insurance in connection with such plans, do not have to cover contraceptive services.  So with health insurance that doesn’t cover contraception, my friend and many others are left wondering how best to take care of their and their children’s reproductive health needs.

Fortunately, Jefferson County Public Health does provide family planning services, including contraception to individuals regardless of race, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or marital status.  All services are confidential and fees are based on your ability to pay- no one will be denied services for inability to pay. 

Calling your insurance company to find out whether or not you are covered is the first step when it comes to taking charge of your reproductive health.  If you find that you are not covered, rest assured that Jefferson County Public Health can help.  For more information on Jefferson County Public Health clinic and other services, please call 303-232-6301.

Safe Sex

Access to sexual and reproductive health services is essential for healthy populations. JCPH supports all women’s and men’s rights to such access. The Family Planning Program provides comprehensive contraceptive services to Jefferson County residents. Services include education, counseling, medical examination, treatment and birth control methods for men and women.

Reproductive health and birth control (family planning) services are available at our Arvada and Lakewood locations. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale and to people with Medicaid. No one is denied services due to the inability to pay. 

 In addition to providing birth control pills and condoms to prevent unintended pregnancies, the department offers alternatives through long acting birth control methods. Remember, some activities are definitely high risk for HIV, STD and Hepatitis infection. Protect yourself and your partner . . . wear a condom and get tested!

For appointments in Lakewood: 303-239-7078 or in Arvada: 303-275-7500.