In Howard County, the number of cases of both chlamydia and gonorrhea have nearly doubled in teens ages 15 and up in recent years. One in every two sexually-active young people will contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) before age 25, and many are not even aware they are infected or of the significant risks to their health.

In response to this growing health crisis, HCPSS and the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) have launched an awareness campaign to inform high school students about the risks of STIs and offer free, confidential screening tests and access to treatment. This initiative, “I Want the Kit” (IWTK), is co-sponsored and funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH).

Information about the health risks and how to access free, confidential testing will be posted in all high school counseling and nurses’ offices, school restrooms and locker rooms. STI testing kits will be available to students free of charge in the nurse’s office in every high school, ARL, and the Homewood Center.

Students requesting the test kit and receiving test results will remain confidential. Test results will be shared only with the student, and if positive, with the Howard County Health Department. The information will not be reported to HCPSS, the student’s parents, or any other person or organization.

https://www.hcpss.org/health/sexually-transmitted-infections-sti-awareness-and-screening/