MTV, PHPD, and STDs

Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania is participating in a nationwide campaign with MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation, aimed at those under 25, to increase testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). See Get Yourself Tested, gyt09.org.

Here's the local angle:

In Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Center for Disease Control has flagged Philadelphia as a “high incidence county” with a prevalence of HIV and STD infections. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) reported 17,209 cases of chlamydia in 2007 with infection rates highest among 15-19 year olds. In 2007, the PDPH reported 5,246 cases of gonorrhea in Philadelphia , with the highest infection rates among 15-24 year olds. Additionally, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, in 2007, 74 percent of the chlamydia and 59 percent of the gonorrhea cases reported throughout the state (not including Philadelphia ) were among individuals aged 15-24 years old. GYT is aimed at reducing those numbers by encouraging teens and young adults to get tested and treated.