Information for Sites
What is STI Testing Week?
An opportunity for clinics across the state of MN to host an STI Testing Day any one day or multiple days throughout the event week with logistical support from the steering committee.
The steering committee is a partnership of clinics, youth-serving organizations, state and local public health agencies, and community members aiming to address the increasing rates of STIs in MN.
What is the purpose?
The purpose of this event has always been about supporting young people in our community. The goal is to come together as a community to promote STI prevention and testing, as well as heighten the awareness about the epidemic of STDs/STIs and related cancers in MN. Together we can:
Promote awareness about Minnesota's chlamydia epidemic
Promote where to go for no-cost or low cost STD/STI testing/treatment
Educate about the importance of preventing STDs/STIs
Who can participate as a site?
Any clinics in Minnesota that provide STD/STI prevention, testing, and treatment services.
The focus of this event is to reach sexually active teens and young adults.
Why is it important?
In 2022, 22,079 chlamydia cases were reported1.
Combined, in 2022, there were 32,072 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis1.
The burden of STI cases falls disproportionately on those between the ages of 15 and 24 (58% of chlamydia cases and 38% of gonorrhea cases)1.
Untreated STDs/STIs can cause infertility and other complications.
Teens and young adults in these situations are often disconnected from clinical health services
Find more statistics on HIV/AIDS and other STDS from the Minnesota Department of Health
*MDH STD Surveillance System. (2022). STD Annual Summary of Reportable STDs in Minnesota. Retrieved from https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/stds/stats/2022/index.html
How can my clinic participate?
Clinics and organizations can support the observance by signing up and offering no-cost or low-cost walk-in STD/STI testing, treatment or referrals.
All interested clinics/agencies should have the capacity to sign-up youth for the MNFP waiver or have another way to fund testing:
The MN Family Planning Program (MFPP) is a health care program that covers family planning services, including the diagnosis and treatment of STIs. Applicants can apply in the clinic to receive short-term coverage that starts right away. Applicants under the age of 21 that live with their parents or spouse do not have to provide income info to be eligible. Applicants under the age of 18 do not need anyone's permission to apply. Here is the link for more info in regards to MNFP waiver: https://tinyurl.com/4d4yrnpd
How can we market for this event?
To raise awareness about the event, it is important to promote it. This includes putting up physical posters, posting on your organization's social media accounts, and asking community partners to spread the word.
Each participating site has the option to receive items from the steering committee to help promote the event day of such as:
Canva and PDF graphics of flyers and social media posts
Free condoms and prizes to incentivize participation
As we get closer to the event, organizers will share free marketing resources with participating sites.