The local rates of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea are cause for concern, particularly among those between the ages of 15 and 24. For several years the rates in London and Middlesex County have been among the highest in the province. While the idea of getting tested for an STI may cause concern or anxiety for some, the reality is that screening is quick and very simple. That’s why the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) and the University Students’ Council (USC) at Western University are teaming up for the sixth edition of Get Tested Western! tomorrow at the University Community Centre.
Health Unit staff and the USC will be encouraging as many Western students as possible to get tested between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. To add an element of competition to the event, organizers are hoping to set a new record for how many people can pee in a cup over the eight-hour duration of the event. Last year, 1,344 people were screened at the event.
“Over the last six years, we’ve found the Get Tested! format makes it a lot easier for people to talk about STIs, while also decreasing some of the hesitation they may feel about getting tested,” says Kim Primok, Public Health Nurse, with the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Sexual Health team. “Get Tested Western! is actually a fun and unintimidating way to have these critical conversations with some of the people who need to hear our message most.”
“Get Tested has become one of the USC’s marque programs that our students look forward to every year. It’s no secret that young adults in a university age demographic are sexually active, but many have never been tested for STIs. This event helps create a culture of healthy sexuality and fight the stigma that still exists about getting tested,” says Lauren Adam, Health Promotions Coordinator for the University Students’ Council.
Most STIs can be treated easily, but left alone, some of these infections can lead to serious illness – even permanent damage, such as infertility. Anyone who is sexually active should get tested for STIs with each new sexual partner.
In addition to Get Tested Western! free and confidential testing is also available on campus at Student Health Services and at The Clinic, the MLHU’s sexual health clinic. For more information about the services that are available at The Clinic and for clinic times, visit www.healthunit.com/sexually-transmitted-infections.
Media Contacts:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)
Nico Waltenbury, Communications Officer, University Students’ Council, 519-661-2111 ext. 82618 or 705-493-5141 (cell.)
Spokespeople:
Kim Primok, Public Health Nurse, Sexual Health Promotion Team, Middlesex-London Health Unit.
Lauren Adam, Health Promotions Coordinator, University Students’ Council.