GYT: GET YOURSELF TESTED

Denver— Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains is proud to participate in a nationwide campaign with MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation and to officially unveil “GYT: Get Yourself Tested,” a campaign to increase testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among those under 25 years of age. 

Statewide Colorado mirrors national trends with an increase in reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.  From 2003 to 2007, the reported cases of chlamydia significantly increased 33.1 percent, as reported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.  Overall, the Denver Metro area has the distinction of having the highest STD rates in the state.*

GYT kicks off with a mix of promotions on-air, online and in the real world that will unfold throughout the month of April in recognition of National STD Awareness Month. The central hub of the campaign, GYT09.org, will provide comprehensive information about STDs and will direct users to the nearest testing location simply by entering a zip code. A mobile companion to GYT09.org, the GYT short code (49809), provides details about local testing locations to mobile phones by texting a zip code. 

As part of GYT, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains is offering $5 STD testing on April 21 and April 24 at 23 health centers across Colorado. The Planned Parenthood La Junta health center will offer discounted testing on April 23 due to the center’s hours of operation. This means all Colorado Planned Parenthood health centers are offering $5 STD testing for HIV and chlamydia and gonorrhea, a cost-savings of more than $100.

“Most people would be shocked to hear that, by age 25, one in two sexually active young people will have an STD. This is not just a statistic, but the reality of what Planned Parenthood health centers see every day,” said Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains CEO and President, Vicki Cowart. “The GYT campaign is an excellent opportunity for people to learn what Planned Parenthood knows — that affordable testing and treatment and education are the tools teens and young people need to stay healthy and safe.”

An all-star collective of pop culture personalities are carrying the GYT message far and wide, appearing in a series of attention-getting on-air and online promotions on MTV and other MTV Network properties this month; blasting out GYT on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms; wearing GYT on their chest and sleeves; and of course, going to get tested for STDs.   

From OMG to LOL, acronyms saturate young people’s everyday vernacular, acting as common methods of communication.  Playing off mobile and Web slang, GYT is an easy way for young people to talk about sexual health and getting tested for STDs. GYT will help young people internalize the risk of STDs and eliminate taboos and stigmas surrounding STDs and STD testing. 

Appointments for STD testing are strongly encouraged. Coupons cannot be used and some additional fees may apply. STD treatment services in addition to testing are available.  Call 1-800-230-PLAN or visit pprm.org for the health center nearest you. 

*Resource: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Surveillance Report

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains provides affordable and confidential health services for people to make responsible choices. Since 1916, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains has been committed to delivering quality reproductive care, teaching responsible, medically accurate and age-appropriate sexual health education and working to protect a woman’s right to choose.  Each year more than 125,000 women, men and teens visit the 29 health centers throughout a four-state region including Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Wyoming.  For more information about Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, call 1-800-230-PLAN or visit pprm.org for the health center nearest you.