Press Release 04-18-12: PPDE Supports National Campaign Encouraging Young People to "GYT" During STD Awareness Month

Wilmington, Delaware -- The fourth annual GYT: Get Yourself Tested campaign kicks off National STD Awareness Month (April) with new initiatives on-air, online, and on the ground at college campuses and in more than 5,000 health centers across the nation.  GYT is a national campaign supported by a broad coalition of partners, including Planned Parenthood Federation of America, designed to address the high rates of STDs among those under 25. 

During the month of April, Planned Parenthood volunteers and VOX, Voices for Planned Parenthood, a recognized student organization at University of Delaware, will be conducting outreach events in support of GYT.  Planned Parenthood health centers offer low-cost STD testing throughout the year, and they welcome patients of every background.

"STDs often have no symptoms, so many people who are infected don't know it.  Getting tested is simply a basic part of staying healthy," said Nanci Hoffman, President and CEO.  "Lack of information, misconceptions, or social stigma keep many young people from getting tested for STDs, but people should know that testing is easier than ever before.  Rapid HIV tests can provide results in as fast as 20 minutes from just a swab inside the mouth."

GYT public service messages air throughout the year on MTV channels with cross promotions with health centers and community organizations.  Extensive resources are available at www.GYTnow.org, which is a dedicated website providing basic information about common STDs, talking tips, and a zip code locator to find local testing locations. Individuals can also utilize the mobile testing locator, texting GYTNOW (498669) to find the nearest testing site.  During April, the campaign scales up its presence by introducing new messaging and outreach.  Some elements of this year's national GYT campaign include:

•  "Team GYT" -- "Team GYT" is made up of celebrities recognizable to the GYT audience who help carry the GYT message.  Coming from an array of backgrounds, these celebrities are handpicked to offer a sense of inspiration and personal empowerment.  This year, Team GYT is pleased to welcome Litefoot, a Native American rap artist, actor and entrepreneur.  Litefoot, a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, also operates the "Reach the Rez Tour," an outreach program that promotes positive change among American Indian youth.  Litefoot joins the ranks of the existing members of Team GYT including: The Jersey Shore's Vinny, rap visionary Talib Kweli, celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton, America's Best Dance Crew's Jungle Boogie, professional street skateboarder Stevie Williams, head of Thehundreds.com Bobby Hundreds, Paper Twins' artists Nica and Edgar A. English, aspiring fashion-conscious entrepreneur Allie Bashuk, surf-loving San Franpsycho, San Francisco designer/painter/artist Ube Urban, Levi Maestro of the online show Maestro Knows, Buff Monster, designer Han Cholo, and DJ A-Trak. Team GYT will continue to grow throughout the year as new faces are added to the campaign.  All will carry the GYT brand out into various aspects of youth culture, encouraging their fans and followers to know their status.
• GYT "Party" -- GYT has created a new online interactive video experience to encourage conversations about STDs and testing with partners, peers, and health care providers.  The video, a simulated party scene, includes five conversations among couples, peers and friends about STDs and testing and is found at http://www.itsyoursexlife.com/gyt/talk/party.  The GYT Party is filled with talking tips, an interactive quiz, key information for starting a conversation and entertaining "extra" features.
• GYT Nation -- GYT is also supported by an extensive on-the-ground outreach effort taking GYT to communities across the country.  GYT promotional and informational materials, including T-shirts, posters, buttons, brochures and stickers are being distributed to more than 5,000 health centers and organizations nationwide, including Planned Parenthood's network of nearly 800 health centers and additional public and private clinics identified by the CDC.  GYT is also working with state and local health departments, the National Coalition of STD Directors, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine and the National Assembly of School-Based Health Centers to provide young people with information about the campaign.  And, the American College Health Association (ACHA) works with GYT to distribute materials through college health centers.

As many as one in two sexually active young people will contract an STD by age 25 -- and most won't know it .  GYT encourages young people to talk with health care providers and partners about getting tested for STDs.  According to the CDC, approximately half of the estimated 19 million STDs occurring in the United States each year are among people 25 and younger.  When left untreated, STDs can increase the risk of HIV infection, infertility and cancer.

During last year's GYT campaign, Planned Parenthood health centers tested almost 125,000 men and women in April, and Planned Parenthood affiliates held 240 events with 1,250 youth volunteers, reaching 67,000 people.  Data collected from 10 Planned Parenthood affiliates show that STD testing has increased significantly during the month of April since the launch of GYT in 2009.  Among the 10 affiliates, there was a 51 percent increase in patients getting tested in April 2011, as compared to the same time in 2008, prior to the launch of the campaign -- indicating that the campaign helped drive an increase in STD tests.  Nationally, Planned Parenthood achieved especially large increases in the patients from populations most affected by STDs, including African Americans and people living at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

The mission of Planned Parenthood of Delaware is to ensure the right of all individuals to access the appropriate information and the services necessary to make and act on personal decisions related to their own reproduction, sexuality and health. Planned Parenthood provides family planning, gynecological services, abortion, cancer screening, STD testing and treatment, health education, and more. The agency serves all three counties, has operated in Delaware for 80 years, and serves 11,000 clients a year. For further information, check out www.ppdel.org.

GYT launched in 2009 as an extension of a longstanding public information partnership between MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation. It is supported by a broad range of organizations including the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD), American College Health Association (ACHA), American Social Health Association (ASHA), the National Chlamydia Coalition (NCC), the CDC, and various state and local health departments, colleges and universities, and other community groups and non-profits. Gilead Sciences, Inc. provides support and resources for select elements of the campaign. CDC provided assistance to ensure scientific accuracy of GYT health information. Comprehensive informational resources -- designed for Web and mobile applications -- provide facts and referrals to local health centers. For more information visit www.GYTNOW.org.