CDPH Launches April Campaign to Promote Sexual Health and STI Awareness

CHICAGO - Throughout April, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will promote sexual health awareness and STI prevention as part of a nationwide campaign to provide information, initiate discussion, and connect residents to sexual health and wellness resources.

On Friday, April 3, CDPH will host "Healthy Chicago: Healthy Women, Healthy Futures," a one-stop health resource fair for pregnant women and mothers. This event is timely: while some infections have been rising-new HIV diagnoses among women are up 16%, primary and secondary syphilis cases have increased about 12%, and congenital syphilis continues to climb-now is an important moment to promote prevention, testing, and supportive care. The fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bronzeville East 43rd Street Health Hub (4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.). For more information, visit Chicago.gov/HealthyWomen.

From April 6-10, CDPH will focus on the sexual health needs of youth and young adults. CDPH Staff will engage with young people, community organizations, and healthcare providers to emphasize that STI testing is a routine and important part of self-care.

Celebrate STI Awareness Week (April 12-18): a chance to boost sexual health with confidence, connection, and care. Join local health agencies nationwide in focusing on four empowering steps: Prepare, Talk, Test, Treat-because staying informed, having open conversations, getting regular tests, and accessing treatment keep everyone healthier.

• Prepare. Make an STI prevention plan before engaging in any sexual activity.
• Talk. Encourage open conversations with partners about sexual histories, risks, and prevention-together.
• Get Yourself Tested: Routine STI testing, especially among young people, is a key component of sexual health, as is timely treatment of STIs.
• Seek Treatment with your healthcare provider.

During the week of April 13, CDPH will highlight the message that "Everyone deserves respectful, inclusive sexual healthcare." Events will include a panel discussion at our Austin West Division Street Health Hub, focused on inclusive sexual health for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as a clinical services and policy overview at the Lakeview North Clark Street Health Clinic featuring the City of Chicago's Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs, Antonio King.

STIs can affect anyone at any age. Recent national data show that diagnoses of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia among adults 55 and older have increased significantly over the past decade. Raising awareness about risks and encouraging regular protection and testing can help older adults stay healthy and proactive about their sexual health. To address this, CDPH will host a sexual health forum for older adults on Thursday, April 23, at the Southeast Atlas Regional Senior Center (1767 E. 79th St.) recognizing that there is no age limit to optimal sexual health and wellness.

CDPH's overarching message this April is simple: everyone deserves a happy, healthy, and stress-free sex life. Honest conversations, routine testing, and proactive prevention empower people to protect their health and enjoy intimacy confidently at every stage of life.

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