Non Profit of the Month: PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Stopping the STD Epidemic……..It’s as easy as……One, Two, Pee!

Did you know that St. Louis ranks #2 in the nation for new cases of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia?

And #5 for HIV?

Did you know that you can contract the HPV virus without ever having sex?

Did you know that most STDs do not have symptoms, especially in the early stages?

If you are having sex, you might be exposed. If you are having unsafe, unprotected sex, you probably are being exposed. And if you and your partner are not monogamous, you may be exposing others. And on, and on, and on. This is why we have an epidemic.

It’s not a big surprise that our community holds such high rankings; lack of information, misconceptions and denial about who is or is not at risk, and social stigma keep many people from getting tested.

Studies report that 90 percent of all college-aged women and men have been exposed to the HPV virus – the virus that has strains linked to cervical cancer. Most people show no symptoms of the virus, which can be detected during a physical exam. Forgoing annual exams, including pap tests, is a risk that women should not take.

Planned Parenthood is here to help.

Most STD tests can now be performed with a simple urine test, or for HIV, with a mouth swab. Long gone are the days of invasive q-tips, blood draws and rubber gloves. No more pain - it’s as easy as One, Two, Pee!

So what is your excuse for not being tested?

For World AIDS Day on December 1, 2009, Alderman Shane Cohn – St. Louis’ first openly gay alderman – and three of his colleges came to Planned Parenthood for HIV tests, and agreed to be filmed by local media to show how important it is for everyone to receive regular testing, and to show how easy it is with a simple swab.

Planned Parenthood was also recently honored with a City of St. Louis Health Department award for their HIV prevention and testing services. This comes in part because of their participation in the national April 2009 GYT (Get Yourself Tested) Campaign, when health centers offered free or low-cost testing for HIV and STDs for teens and young adults. Last year, Planned Parenthood served more than 52,000 patients, many of whom rely on Planned Parenthood’s reduced fees because of their limited income or lack of health insurance.

Planned Parenthood provides comprehensive STD tests and cancer screenings that are affordable and confidential. Many tests are performed on a walk-in basis. If you need an appointment, Planned Parenthood can see you at one of its health centers within two days of your call. Two days!

Planned Parenthood centers are open Monday through Saturday and on some evenings. Convenient, confidential and affordable services – that’s Planned Parenthood.

In addition to STD testing and treatment and HIV tests, Planned Parenthood provides a full range of gynecologic, sexual and reproductive medical services for women, men and teens – for you, for your friends, for your family:

So here’s a real New Year’s resolution for you to think about...

This year take control of your life, your sexual health and your future. Take care of yourself and your partner. Frequent testing means early diagnosis and treatment.

Planned Parenthood has six area health centers in the St. Louis region, and two in Southwest Missouri. And nationwide, Planned Parenthood operates over 800 health centers and cares for more than three million individuals each year.

Planned Parenthood is committed to diversity and justice for everyone. The organization has an award-winning Education and Diversity department that provides training and resources to local teens and parents, giving them the tools to live happy and healthy lives. The Public Policy department defends reproductive rights on local, statewide and national levels to ensure that all Americans have access to comprehensive reproductive health care. Their newest group – friendsbychoice – is a friends group dedicated to advancing Planned Parenthood’s mission and services in St. Louis. The friends group hosts events and activities such as its upcoming "Sex Trivia" night on March 27. Planned Parenthood depends on the generosity of donors to serve more than 52,000 patients each year in our community. To make a tax deductible donation call 314-531-7526.

And for more information on how to get involved, or to schedule an appointment at a Planned Parenthood health center, call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526), or visit www.plannedparenthood.org/stlouis