Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Feb. 13, 2023
February 13 to 17 is Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week. Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week is an annual campaign designed to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health and promote resources to improve community health in Canada. This year, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is promoting the theme, Get the Facts and Get Tested, and encouraging individuals to access reliable sexual health support, discuss their risks with their healthcare provider and get tested for STIs.
“Sexual health starts with knowing your risk,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Medical Officer of Health at HPEPH. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve had one partner or many, if you identify as straight or 2SLGBTQI+, or what type of sex you’ve had. If you or your partner(s) have sex without a condom or other barrier protection, you may have been exposed to an STI.”
Even though sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, treatable, and in many cases, curable, individuals may be infected without knowing it, and unknowingly pass them on to others. STIs can cause serious health problems, including infertility, if not treated properly. Discussing your sexual health with a healthcare provider and accessing routine STI screening is an important step in maintaining sexual health.
Where to access STI testing:
Individuals can access STI testing at their primary healthcare provider, college health services, walk-in clinics and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health.
HPEPH offers drop-in Quick Test Clinics for routine chlamydia and gonorrhea screening at all HPEPH locations. These clinics are for individuals without symptoms. Visit hpePublicHealth.ca for more information.
Additional/alternate STI testing and sexual health services are available by appointment to individuals without a healthcare provider, or those who may experience additional barriers accessing sexual health care. Please contact the sexual health program for more information at 613-966-5500, ext. 243.
Support for teens
High school students at Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board schools can also access quick STI screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea at their weekly school public health clinics throughout February. Teens can discuss their risk and testing options with their school public health nurse confidentially and free of charge. For more information, please see our latest Healthy Schools Newsletter or submit your question online to the Healthy Schools Team.
Online and telephone support:
HPEPH public health nurses are available for confidential and non-judgemental support by phone Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. at 613-966-5500, ext. 243 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 243. If you have any questions about your risk, or testing options, don’t hesitate to call.
SexualHealthOntario offers information and support on sexually transmitted infections, birth control and more. Individuals can also live chat online with a sexual health expert seven days a week. Visit sexualhealthontario.ca
Sexandu.ca is a trusted source for sexual health information. Topics range from sexually transmitted infections, HIV, LGBTTQ+, birth control, pregnancy and consent.
If you feel you are in a state of crisis, call the 24/7 Mental Health Helpline at 1-866-531-2600.
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Media Contacts:
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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