Outreach with Faith Communities 

District 2 Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas addressed a crowd of 88 pastors, faith leaders, and staff with a powerful message, urging action against STDs at our Circle of Faith at Twilight event. Other notable speakers included Mario Pérez, Director of the Division of HIV and STD Programs, and Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the LA County Department of Public Health. Although unable to attend, Assembly Member Sebastian Ridley-Thomas recorded an inspiring video to address the esteemed attendees. Faith leaders responded to a survey to help WeCanStopSTDsLA learn how we might assist them in addressing sexual and reproductive health and justice matters in their communities.

Let’s Talk About It: Expanding the conversation about STDs.

Businesses where youth hang out are a critical support tool in the fight against STDs. In advance of a press conference to launch our Let’s Talk About It campaign, eight local businesses signed up to be our partners in supporting a safe and healthy community, and placed decals in their storefront windows. Five of these businesses signed up to be free condom distributors. The decals highlight the location of the nearest clinic where youth can access sexual and reproductive health services. The press conference, held at Manual Arts High School, highlighted this business engagement and featured several amazing speakers including Director Mario Pérez, of the Division of HIV and STD Programs, and Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the LA County Department of Public Health, as well as key partners President and CEO Jim Mangia of St. John’s Well Child and Family Center and Executive Director Maryjane Puffer of The LA Trust.

 Youth and Community Engagement

196 youth attended the fifth annual youth-led event, Spring into Love, where young people conducted workshops to address topics such as healthy relationships and sexual health with their peers. WeCanStopSTDsLA participated in other community events including the Dorsey High School Health and Wellness Fair, the Crenshaw Health Fest, and Assembly Member Sebastian Ridley Thomas’s District 54 Constituent Services Center Grand Opening and Resource Fair.

New Social Media Presence

WeCanStopSTDsLA created several promotional videos. They are available for viewing and sharing on our YouTube Channel.