california must invest more money for std prevention programs

STDs are common in California. So common, that our state ranks #1 in the country for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis infections!

Who is impacted the most by STDs? Teens and young adults. More than half of all STDs in California are experienced by young people ages 15 – 25.

Many STDs do not show symptoms, that’s why it’s important to stay up to do date with STD screenings and testing. STDs can cause serious health issues, like cancer, blindness, and infertility if the problem is not treated quickly. Check out one of our previous blogs to learn how to protect yourself against STDs.

While some STDs cannot be cured, several of the common STDs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can be treated with medication.

The California STD Control Branch is the government agency that monitors STD rates in the state. The department is in charge of tracking STDs, running some treatment and prevention programs. The STD Control Branch also partners with nonprofit and community organizations to help combat STDs. But there is only so much the department can do with very little money.

Public health advocates have warned lawmakers in Sacramento about the high STD rates for years and urged them to invest more funding to stop the spread of STDs. Our state government has ignored the high STD rates for too long and now it’s become a public health crisis. And young people are bearing the brunt of the issue.

Its time California’s government took action and invested more money to help combat STDs and protect the health of teens, young adults and all Californians.

Take Action: Make Your Voice Heard in Sacramento!

Right now, health advocates are asking lawmakers in Sacramento to give the STD Control Branch an extra $10 million to help battle the STDs crisis. You can take action and make your voice heard by telling legislators to support this funding increase.

Click here to take action.

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This blog was reposted from TeenSource.org, a project of Essential Access Health. TeenSource.org is an online hub for comprehensive and teen-friendly information on birth control, STDs, relationships and teen’s rights to accessing sensitive services. The site features youth-developed blogs and videos, a clinic finder, a Condom Access Project and links to TeenSource social media where youth can stay updated on relevant sexual and reproductive health information and news.


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