National Coalition of STD Directors

Let's talk about Doxycycline as STI PEP! This is a new use for a medicine that's been prescribed since the '60s, and it's been showing really promising results in preventing bacterial STIs. There's a lot to unpack so let's get started ?? For more information, answers to FAQs, implementation help, infographics, and more resources -- all available to download for free -- check out our Doxy as STI PEP Command Center: https://bit.ly/3YEt4A4

Dr. Anne Szarewski and her team made the discovery that HPV was connected to cervical cancer. Her discovery led to the development of a vaccine that helps prevent HPV, and thus many forms of cervical cancers and malignancies. Studies have shown that the HPV vaccine is over 90% effective in preventing HPV infections that cause cervical cancer, genital warts, and other HPV-related diseases. #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInPublicHealth

Don't miss out on STI Engage 2025: Register today! We're heading to Phoenix, AZ from June 3-5 to bring together the place to be for STI professionals to hear from national leaders – officials, researchers, clinicians – as well as their own peers. Connecting and information sharing is more important now than ever, so we hope to see you there! Register now: https://bit.ly/40IfLkA

The National Coalition for Sexual Health (NCSH) launched Own the Awk, a multi-media campaign to empower young adults to have open, honest conversations with their partners about sexual health and relationship topics. At least 85% of young adults want to talk more openly about these topics and 97% want to improve their communication skills, according to NCSH national surveys. Shaped by young adults for young adults, “Own the Awk: Real Talk. Real Connection” offers free, practical, and interactive tools to build confidence and skills. Through humor, awkward portraits, and real-life scenarios, Own the Awk helps young adults navigate difficult conversations head on, which can open the door to safer sex, positive relationships, and sexual pleasure. Own the Awk features videos, conversation starters, digital card decks, scripts, and resources on seven different topics: communication 101, defining the relationship, sexual desires and pleasure, safer sex, STIs, feelings, wants, and needs, and boundaries and consent. Learn more at OwntheAwk.Org ! ??

Policy Academy applications are now open! Through the Policy Academy, NCSD trains individuals from state and local health departments on how to engage in policy and policymaker education safely and effectively. By providing an overview of policy basics and options, and building skills to navigate policy, NCSD strives to demystify policy work and empower STI program staff to effectively utilize this powerful strategy. Learn more and apply today: https://bit.ly/43rmAcb

Need an STI resource? Questions about clinical policies? Looking for connection to peers in your field? Join NCSD Connect today! NCSD Connect is NCSD's online forum for resource sharing and community, made up of thousands of STI professionals across the country. Housed within our Learning Center, once you log in you also have access to over 44,000 courses and resources. Get started today: https://bit.ly/4kr8uhb

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, more commonly known as just Dr. Ruth, was a sexual health advocate and talk show host. Her show, "Sexually Speaking," promoted healthy communication around sexual health topics and sex positivity. #WomenInPublicHealth #WomensHistoryMonth

Want to know more about our new program, PriorityONE? Click through for answers to some of our frequently asked questions ?? Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4gQxU4R

NCSD’s PEAK Leadership Academy for STI Directors and others in leadership roles aims to increase the capacity of program leadership to serve as a catalyst for change and demonstrate and communicate program accomplishments. Through the PEAK Leadership program, we’ll focus on increased knowledge and understanding of effective leadership by developing enhanced knowledge and skills in public policy, visionary leadership, strategic planning, program planning, critical thinking, problem solving, people development, response readiness, and cultural competence. Learn more about this new program and apply here: https://bit.ly/4kxWU3A

Check out what people are saying about PriorityONE! We're grateful to everyone who has been joining our briefings and signing up to protect the public's health alongside us. For those who are new to the program, PriorityONE is a new initiative committed to protecting the public's health. PriorityONE allows you to hear directly from experts in policy, communications, health, and more so you can stay on top of all of the changes in Washington, federal agencies, and around the nation. Our communities, organizations, and systems face unprecedented volatility, and information and connection matter now more than ever. Learn more and sign up: https://bit.ly/3FoUW5B