Get ready to increase your knowledge and awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as we celebrate STI Awareness Month throughout April! This month is dedicated to educating the public about the risks and prevention of STIs, as well as promoting safe and healthy sexual practices. Did you know that this observance originally began in 2005 as National STD Awareness Month? And while the name has changed, the importance of spreading awareness remains the same. So let's join together in taking charge of our sexual health and promoting a world free of STIs.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Identified AIDS cases</div><div class='timeline-text'>The CDC officially recognized and reported the first cases of AIDS, a disease caused by the HIV virus, a sexually transmitted infection.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>HPV Connection to Cervical Cancer</div><div class='timeline-text'>Research established a firm link between human papillomavirus (HPV), an STI, and cervical cancer, pushing further the need for STI awareness and prevention.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>1st STD Awareness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>National STD Awareness Month made its debut in the United States to promote education and prevention about sexually transmitted diseases.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Introduction of PrEP</div><div class='timeline-text'>The FDA approved Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a breakthrough medication proven to reduce the risk of sexually acquiring HIV.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Shift from STDs to STIs</div><div class='timeline-text'>National STD Awareness Month is renamed to National STI Awareness Month reflecting a more accurate terminology and reducing stigma surrounding these infections.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a safe sex workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends, family, or community members and organize a safe sex workshop to educate others about STIs and how to prevent them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Distribute informational flyers</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create and distribute flyers with important information about STIs, including prevention methods and where to get tested.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser for a local STI clinic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Support your local STI clinic by organizing a fundraiser event or donation drive to help them continue providing important services to the community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your story on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your platform on social media to share your personal experience with STIs, raise awareness, and reduce stigma surrounding these infections.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a free STI testing event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Partner with a local clinic or organization to host a free STI testing event, providing easy and accessible testing for those who may not have access to it otherwise.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To promote education and awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>STI Awareness Month serves as a reminder for people to educate themselves on sexually transmitted infections and how they can be prevented. It's important for individuals to have accurate information and resources about STIs in order to make informed decisions regarding their sexual health.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To encourage testing and treatment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During STI Awareness Month, health organizations often offer free or discounted testing for STIs in order to promote early detection and treatment. This is essential for preventing the spread of infections and helping individuals receive necessary medical care.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To reduce stigma surrounding STIs</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many individuals feel shame or embarrassment when it comes to discussing or seeking treatment for STIs. By raising awareness and promoting open, non-judgmental conversations about STI prevention and treatment, we can help reduce the stigma associated with these infections.</p></div></div>
STI Awareness Month is celebrated on April 1 every year. In 2024 STI Awareness Month will start on a Monday.
2023
Apr 1
Saturday
2024
Apr 1
Monday
2025
Apr 1
Tuesday
2026
Apr 1
Wednesday
2027
Apr 1
Thursday