In recognition of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Month, all county health departments in the Coastal Health District will be offering free STI screening events throughout the month of April.

The purpose of STI Awareness Month is to educate people about the risks and consequences of STIs, encourage regular testing and screening, and reduce the stigma associated with them. It also aims to promote prevention and treatment options.

About 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has an STI. Left untreated, STIs can lead to serious health issues, affect fertility, and be passed along to partners. Many infections don’t cause symptoms.

The good news is that all STIs can be treated, and most can be cured. Testing is the first step. STI testing is available at all health departments in the Coastal Health District throughout the year.

For more information, visit the Coastal Health District website at coastalhealthdistrict.org/sti.