Have questions about sexual health? Go Ask TISH!

Jefferson County Public Health’s Family Planning program reminds adult and youth that planning pregnancies actively is one of the most important things that can be done for reproductive health.   In addition, February happens to be National Condom Month. It is a perfect time to remind everyone that   safe sex means more than using birth control, it also means using condoms and other barrier methods to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Of all the birth control methods available, the condom is the most frequently used method that is not only effective at preventing pregnancy (98% effectiveness rate for male condoms and 95% for female condoms, when both used correctly and consistently) but also protects against the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.

While various forms of birth control may prevent pregnancies, they do not prevent the spread of HIV and other STIs.  If you are sexually active and have not been using safer sex practices including condoms, limiting the number of partners you have, and do not know your STI status, you are at risk.  Get tested at our clinic location in Lakewood.  Call 303-239-7078 to schedule an appointment.   If you have any questions and need answers, text your questions to 720 446-TISH (8474), the Text Information Sexual Health line is confidential and answered regularly by one of our public health nurses. You can also watch the Sex Ed with Mel video episodes on safer sex practices and sexually transmitted infections for more information. 

Know the Facts! GYT: Get Yourself Tested

April marks the annual observance of STI Awareness Month, a month long observance to bring enthusiasm and focus to STI awareness and prevention efforts. JCPH is promoting the theme of Know the Facts! GYT: Get Yourself Tested during STI Awareness Month.  STIs affect people of all ages, yet these diseases take a particularly heavy toll on young people. GYT is a youthful, empowering, social movement to encourage young people to get tested and treated for STIs and HIV, as needed.  A December 2014 JAMA Pediatrics article found that one-third of all adolescents didn't talk about sexual health issues with their physicians during their annual health visit. Other research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows out that as much as half of the estimated 20 million STIs that occur in the U.S. each year are among young people.  For all of these reasons, health departments, health providers, educators and public health partners across the country want to make sure young people have access to accurate, helpful information about STI prevention and testing.

Jefferson County Public Health offers screening, diagnosis and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at our Lakewood location, 645 Parfet Street, Lakewood, CO 80215. If you have ever had a sexually transmitted infection, you may be at risk for HIV infection. JCPH also offers confidential HIV counseling and testing. All fees for STI clinic services are on a sliding scale. We can accept many forms of health insurance, please inquire. Please call 303-239-7078 to make an appointment.

• Learn more about JCPH’s STI services: http://jeffco.us/public-health/sexual-health-and-birth-control/sexually-transmitted-infections/
• Visit the CDC’s web page: www.cdc.gov/gyt.
• Visit the CDC web page to order free GYT posters, stickers, and postcards.

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
• 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.

World AIDS Day December 1, 2013

World AIDS Day, December 1, 2013 serves as an important reminder to everyone that HIV/AIDS has not gone away. Since the beginning of the HIV and AIDS epidemic more than half a million people have died of AIDS in the U.S. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Surveillance Report) – that is equivalent to the entire population of Jefferson County. There are currently more than one million people living with HIV and AIDS in the U.S. and approximately one-fifth of these are unaware of their infection.

That means the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS is still very much present. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately 56,000 Americans are infected with HIV each year. So, this December 1st, Put the Red Ribbon back on and join in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Resources:

Jefferson County Public Health offers screening, diagnosis and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at our Arvada and Lakewood locations. If you have ever had a sexually transmitted disease, you may be at risk for HIV infection. JCPH also offers anonymous and confidential HIV counseling and testing. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact: 303-232-6301
Download the JCPH HIV Testing and Counseling brochure

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/default.htm
JCPH HIV Testing and Counseling Program

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!