Nearly 1 in 2 sexually active people contract an STD by age 25. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this age group represents half of the nearly 19 million new STD infections in the U.S. each year. To combat these shocking statistics, Planned Parenthood of Southwest & Central Florida (PPSWCF) has joined forces with MTV, the Kaiser Family Foundation, and the CDC to jump-start National STD Awareness month with "Get Yourself Tested" (GYT).
On Tuesday, April 27, PPSWCF will offer free chlamydia, gonorrhea and rapid HIV tests at six centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Ft. Myers and Lakeland. For specific hours of operation or to avoid the lines and make an appointment, visit MyPlannedParenthood.org. The central hub of GYT, GYTNOW.org, includes STDs facts, tips for discussing STDs, and a test location finder.
