TULSA, Okla. — A local nonprofit is launching a new effort to address a growing public health concern, particularly among young people.
Health leaders say the plan focuses on improving education and access to care, with the goal of reducing sexually transmitted infection rates across the state.
New action plan targets STI rates
The initiative from Amplify Youth Health Collective brings together health experts, educators and community organizations to respond to rising infection rates.
The plan centers on five focus areas:
1. Awareness and education
2. Testing
3. Treatment
4. Advocacy
5. Monitoring
Organizers say each area includes measurable goals they will track over time.
Expanding access to testing and care
Leaders say the effort aims to expand testing availability and improve access to treatment. It also focuses on making accurate, age-appropriate information easier for young people to find.
The plan includes resources for parents, students and health care providers to better support prevention and early intervention.
Reducing stigma a key priority
Organizers say reducing stigma around sexually transmitted infections is critical to the plan’s success. They say lowering barriers can help more people feel comfortable seeking testing and treatment.
Heather Duvall with Amplify Youth Health Collective said the effort is a response to concerning trends.
“Our STI rates are higher than they should be, you know, much higher than we would want them to be, and so because of our high STI rates, we wanted to pull together community stakeholders to take a look and say, how can we address this collectively, collaboratively, in a way where bringing together everyone, we could do something here?”
Oklahoma ranks among highest in nation
The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports infection rates in the state are among the highest in the country.
Health leaders say that makes early education and access to resources especially important for young people.
What’s next for the community? Organizers encourage residents to use the new online resources and help share accurate information within their communities.
The full action plan and additional resources are available here.
Source: News On 6 — Reporting by Eden Jones
