London, ON – Getting tested for a sexually transmitted infection, or STI, can sometimes feel embarrassing or can make you feel like you are being judged. The process for testing can be as simple as peeing in a cup. Over the next week, students at Fanshawe College and Western University will be challenged to set a new world record for the highest number of people screened for STIs within a 24-hour period. The current world record of 767 STI tests in one day, set on Valentine’s Day in 2013, is held by the town of Basingstoke, England. This past April, students at the University of Calgary attempted to break that record, but were unable to set a new mark when only 501 people were tested.
The world record attempt at Fanshawe College will take place tomorrow in Forwell Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while Western’s event will take place on Tuesday, October 21st in the UCC Atrium from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
“People need to clear a bit of a mental hurdle when it comes to getting tested for a sexually-transmitted infection. They worry about being embarrassed or that their friends will look at them differently, we want to erase that perception” says Chris Blain, Health Promoter with the Sexual Health Promotion Team at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Getting tested really is as easy as peeing in a cup and this world record challenge is a great way for us to get out and meet people, and tell them about the services offered through our Sexual Health Clinic.”
Once diagnosed, most STIs can be treated easily, but left alone some of these infections can lead to serious illness - even permanent damage such as infertility. The Health Unit recommends that anyone who is sexually active should get tested for STIs with each new sexual partner.
While the Health Unit encourages post-secondary students to take part in the upcoming world record attempts, free and anonymous STI testing is available at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. Known as The Clinic, the Health Unit’s Sexual Health Clinic is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The Clinic operates on a drop-in basis and clients do not need to make appointments or show their health card. The Clinic offers a safe and non-judgemental environment where clients can have open discussions about their sexual health with professionals.
Additional information
Additional information and a list of clinic services is also available on the Health Unit website at healthunit.com/sexually-transmitted-infections.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)
Spokesperson:
Chris Blain, Health Promoter, Middlesex-London Health Unit