National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month – Apr. 1, 2027

National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month
Submit your updates or photos
Categories:
Tags:
AwarenessHealth
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every April
Holiday emoji:
🎗️

National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month is observed throughout April. This month-long initiative aims to reduce the stigma surrounding STIs and increase public awareness about prevention, testing, and treatment. Learn more about sexual health, get tested, and advocate for comprehensive education.

Want to sponsor National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month? Learn how

Expected National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month Deals

Throughout National STIs Education and Awareness Month, expect health organizations and related brands to offer various programs focused on public health. Organizations like the CDC and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) will promote free or low-cost testing clinics and educational webinars. Brands such as Durex and Trojan may run awareness campaigns emphasizing safe sex practices and product accessibility. Telehealth providers like Nurx might offer discounted online consultations and at-home testing kits. Local health departments often host community events, offering confidential screenings and educational materials. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and initiatives as April approaches.

Platform Guide for National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #STIAwarenessMonth. Share statistics, prevention tips, and resources from reputable health organizations to drive conversations.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #STIAwarenessMonth. Host a live Q&A with a local health expert or share personal stories (with consent) to reduce stigma.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #STIAwarenessMonth. Create visually engaging infographics on STI facts, testing locations, and safe sex practices to reach a broad audience.

Social Media Tips for National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month

Individuals

Take the opportunity to get tested, learn about safe sex practices, and share accurate information with friends and family to help break down stigma.

Creators

Produce educational content that debunks myths, highlights the importance of open communication, and directs followers to reliable health resources and testing sites.

Brands

Partner with public health organizations to sponsor free testing clinics, create informative campaigns, or offer accessible sexual health products and services.

Organizations & Brands for National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

    Founded in 1946, the CDC is the leading national public health agency of the United States. Its mission includes protecting public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability, including extensive work on STIs.

  2. Planned Parenthood

    Established in 1916, Planned Parenthood is a non-profit organization that provides reproductive health care in the United States and globally. They are a major provider of STI testing, treatment, and education services.

  3. American Sexual Health Association (ASHA)

    Founded in 1914, ASHA is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of individuals by advocating for sexual health. They provide information, resources, and support for people affected by STIs and promote prevention.

  4. Durex

    A global brand of condoms and personal lubricants, Durex has been a leader in sexual health products since its founding in 1929. They actively promote safe sex practices and STI prevention through their products and educational campaigns.

  5. Trojan

    Established in 1916, Trojan is a prominent American brand of condoms and lubricants. They are committed to promoting sexual health and responsible choices through their products and public awareness initiatives.

  6. Nurx

    Founded in 2016, Nurx is a telehealth company that provides online medical consultations and delivers prescriptions, including birth control, emergency contraception, and at-home STI testing kits, making sexual healthcare more accessible.

  7. National Coalition for Sexual Health (NCSH)

    The NCSH is a collaboration of leading health organizations dedicated to improving sexual health in the U.S. They work to promote a national dialogue and provide resources for comprehensive sexual health care, including STI prevention and treatment.

National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month Hero

Dr. Thomas Parran Jr.

Dr. Thomas Parran Jr. served as the sixth Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service from 1936 to 1948. He was a pioneering figure in public health, known for his aggressive campaigns against syphilis and other venereal diseases. His efforts significantly advanced public awareness, testing, and treatment protocols for STIs in the mid-20th century, laying groundwork for future health initiatives.

History of National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month

It was during the Italian War of 1494 — 1498 that a sickness, now known as ‘syphilis,’ spread among French troops. Over five million people died as a result of the first known lethal sickness. It wasn’t until the sixteenth century that the term “Gonorrhea” was coined, and its origins can be traced back to a prostitute-infested area of Paris called “Le Clapiers.”

The first volunteer hospital for venereal illnesses was established in 1746 at the London Lock Hospital, but no serious pharmacological therapies for STDs existed until then. The ‘Brussels Agreement’ was signed in 1924 by several countries, which pledged to provide free or low-cost medical care at ports for merchant seamen with venereal diseases.

‘Salvarsan,’ a medication for syphilis, was the first effective treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. In the 1960s and 1970s, public health campaigns against STIs and the discovery of antibiotics led to a popular view that STIs were no longer a concern to public health, and this was largely due to the widespread availability of antibiotics. Around 1969, HIV/Aids made its way to the U.S. Sexually transmitted diseases that could not be healed by modern medicine first came to public attention in the 1980s with the appearance of genital herpes and then Aids. When it became clear that Aids was on the verge of becoming a global epidemic, public awareness efforts were launched, and medicines were developed to keep HIV replication at bay for as long as possible.

Contact tracing was also acknowledged as an important part of the treatment of STIs. Health organizations and STI clinics were able to effectively control infections in the general population by tracking the sexual partners of affected individuals, testing them for infection, treating the infected, and monitoring their contacts.

National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month timeline

1494
The First Syphilis Outbreak

An infectious disease breaks out among French troops during the Italian War.

1746
The First Venereal Disease Hospital

The London Lock Hospital begins to treat victims of these infectious diseases.

1960s
The Effective Treatment for STIs

Effective treatment for syphilis is successfully developed.

1980s
The Advent of Herpes and Aids

Aids begins to spread across Europe.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month

Local businesses can contribute to National STIs Education and Awareness Month by partnering with community health clinics to offer free or subsidized testing events. Pharmacies can highlight STI prevention products and educational pamphlets. Fitness centers might host workshops on holistic health, including sexual wellness, while local media can run public service announcements. Restaurants could offer a ‘Health & Awareness’ menu item, donating a portion of proceeds to sexual health charities. The key is to reduce stigma and provide accessible, accurate information.

National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month FAQs

When is National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month?

In 2027, this vital awareness month will again take place throughout April. The focus remains on reducing stigma and promoting accessible resources for testing and treatment.

How many people are affected by STIs in the U.S.?

The CDC estimates that nearly one in five people in the U.S. had an STI on any given day in 2018, totaling 68 million infections. This highlights the ongoing public health challenge STIs present.

How common are STIs in the U.S.?

The prevalence of STIs in the U.S. remains high, with the CDC reporting that rates of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia have been increasing for several years. This makes awareness and prevention efforts critically important.

What is the difference between an STI and an STD?

While often used interchangeably, ‘STI’ is a broader term referring to the presence of an infection that can be transmitted sexually. An ‘STD’ implies that the infection has progressed to cause noticeable symptoms or health problems.

How to Observe National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month

  1. Create awareness

    Share information about STIs on social media. Create educational posts about the risks and join campaigns aimed at educating people on the need to practice safe sex.

  2. Discuss STIs with family and friends

    Talk to your friends and family about STIs and share useful tips on how to stay protected. Infections can easily spread within the home, which is why everyone needs to take equal measures to stay protected.

  3. Get tested for STIs

    Once an individual is sexually active, there’s always a risk of being exposed to an STI. This is why regular checks are necessary and important.

5 Important Facts About STIs

  1. Condoms don’t provide total protection

    Condoms don't protect against genital herpes, which is the most common STI.

  2. The infection rate is very high

    According to the World Health Organization, there are one million STIs acquired on a daily basis.

  3. Some STIs have very mild symptoms

    Some STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, don't have any symptoms, but they can still make it hard to get pregnant.

  4. There are about 25 known STIs

    There are more than 25 diseases that can be spread sexually.

  5. Some STIs are easier to treat

    STIs caused by bacteria are usually easier to treat, but viral infections can be managed but not always cured.

Why National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month is Important

  1. It creates more public awareness

    Different campaigns are held to educate people about the consequences of untreated STIs. It’s a great opportunity to increase awareness.

  2. It reduces stigma

    It helps to break the stigma around STIs and allows people to talk more openly about them. Support groups and health foundations create forums dedicated to helping victims and answering questions from the public.

  3. There’s a ton of useful information

    This month promotes safe sex practices and provides information about how to get tested for STIs. Social media and technology also make it easy to share information globally and sensitize even more people.

National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month dates

Year Date Day
2027 April 1 Thursday
2028 April 1 Saturday
2029 April 1 Sunday
2030 April 1 Monday
2031 April 1 Tuesday