Private MD News

Schools look to make STD testing more available

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

While some school districts prefer to teach their students about abstinence only when it comes to sexual health education, others are taking a more realistic approach and even going so far as to offer students free STD testing. Experts say that this method allows them to control the spread of potentially dangerous infections.

For example, school administrators from Manchester, Connecticut, recently told the school board that adopting such a policy would help many students avoid infections that could jeopardize their sexual health for the rest of their lives, according to the Hartford Courant.

While school officials were excited about the idea, the school board was less than enthused, voting to continue hearings to a later date. However, Suzanne Valade, Manchester's coordinator of school health services, said that rising STD rates call for bold action.

"As health educators and health promoters, anything we can do to remove barriers for students to access healthcare is wise," she told the news source.

STD testing plays an important in preventing the spread of infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends that all sexually active adults seek screening.