Sexually Transmitted Infections: Community Action

The Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention is dedicated to helping you lower your personal risk of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. However, there are also many things you can do to help prevent these types of diseases in your community. Helping to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an important way for you to make a difference. Some sexually transmitted diseases are linked to cervical cancer, as well as pelvic infections and AIDS. The United States has higher rates of STIs than any other developed country, with more than 12 million new cases a year. Because the highest rates of STIs are among teens, particular efforts should be made to ensure their health.

By taking some of the steps outlined below, you can help ensure that young people in your community have the opportunity to live healthy lives free of STIs.

Work with Your Local School Board to Support Sex Education in Schools.

Work with Your Local School Board to Make Condoms and Other Contraceptives Available in Schools.

Encourage Your Government Representatives to Support STI Prevention.

Work with Your Local School Board to Support Sex Education in Schools.

All young people should be educated about the risks associated with sexual activity and, in particular, the danger of sexually transmitted infections like HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer. They should also be given information on effective prevention and screening tests for STIs. Use the resource below to work with your local school board in ensuring that young people receive this important education.

Sexuality Information and Education Council
Community Action Kit
Learn how best to work with your local school board using the advocacy tips provided in this kit.

Work with Your Local School Board to Make Condoms and Other Contraceptives Available in Schools.

Making condoms and other forms of birth control available to sexually active people in your community can help protect their health and the health of their current and future sexual partners. One way to do this is by talking to your local school board about providing condoms in schools.

Encourage Your Government Representatives to Support STI Prevention.

Your opinion as a constituent is very important to your government representatives, so one way to help prevent STIs is to encourage your representatives to support policies that lower the risk of STIs.

American Social Health Association
Advocacy Resources
Learn how to effectively communicate with elected officials about STI prevention.

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