Planned Parenthood Partners with Public Health Leaders to Address Minnesota’s Chlamydia Epidemic

In response to the epidemic of chlamydia in Minnesota, Planned Parenthood has joined with the Minnesota Department of Health and other public health partners to organize the Minnesota Chlamydia Partnership (MCP) for the purpose of developing a statewide strategy to reduce rates and prevent new cases.

The partners in this effort are Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota (PPMNS), Dakota County Health & Family, Deborah E. Powell Center For Women’s Health, Hennepin County Human Services & Public Health,
Minneapolis Department of Health & Family Support, Minnesota Department of Health and Teen Age Medical Services of Children’s Hospitals

Last week, the Minnesota Department of Health released the latest report on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Minnesota. The report shows that STIs have risen to an all time high, with chlamydia at the highest level ever recorded in Minnesota. Syphilis cases are at a 30-year high in the state. Disparities in communities of color persist.

Read the full report here: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/stds/stats/stdreport2010.pdf

“Planned Parenthood is proud to partner with leaders in the community to tackle this serious issue. As a health care provider, we know firsthand the importance of prevention and education in strengthening public health,” said Ellen Young, PPMNS Director of Government Relations and Education and Outreach.
Every year, PPMNS health centers provide nearly 64,000 women and men across Minnesota with primary and preventive health care, including family planning services and testing and treatment for STIs. Planned Parenthood administers more than 60,000 STI tests annually, including for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human papilloma virus.
Planned Parenthood also provides reproductive health education programming with a focus on reducing STIs and HIV and unintended pregnancies, and provides comprehensive sex education programs that empower communities to make healthy, responsible decisions.

“We have a preventable public health problem in Minnesota and Planned Parenthood is committed to working toward a solution to stem this epidemic,” said Young.