Sexual Health information at LKPH
Emily Colomeda, RN Director, Lake County Public Health
A Matter of Public Health
Lake County Public Health and Family Planning offers a variety of services including immunizations; maternal-child health home visiting; Women, Infants and Children nutritional supplementation program; communicable disease tracking and investigation and emergency and disaster preparedness. One of the most widely utilized services, however, is the Family Planning office. The types of services offered through Lake County Family Planning include men’s and women’s exams, birth control options, sexually transmitted infection counseling and testing, adolescent services, HIV screening, pregnancy testing and emergency contraception.
In Montana, in 2007, 75 percent of all reported Chlamydia cases and 66 percent of all gonorrhea cases occurred in individuals between the ages of 15-24. Almost half (44 percent) of all pregnancies in Montana are unplanned. The cost to the community is significant. Based on this data, it is evident that Montana’s young adults need the tools for better decision-making when it comes to sexual relationships. According to the state Family Planning Program, family planning services prevent costly health and social problems associated with unintended pregnancy. They also reduce premature births, infant mortality, teen pregnancy, the spread of infectious disease and the incidence of certain cancers. This results in health benefits for the entire community as well as economic savings. Nationally, family planning saves $4.02 in public dollars for every dollar spent.
In an effort to better educate communities, Lake County Family Planning is joining the Women’s and Men’s Health Section of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services in promoting Sexual Health Awareness Month.
Sexual Health Awareness Month aims to broaden people’s understanding of sexual health and encourage positive intimate relationships. Sexual health is defined as a state of physical, emotional and societal well being related to sexuality. Being “sexually healthy” requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. Sexual health is also about open communication, acceptance of individual differences, having realistic expectations and an understanding of sexuality. It is about love, life and the freedom of expression. It’s about what you think, how you feel and how you relate to others. It is also about how you expect others to treat you; it’s about safety, confidence and respect.
Research shows that the more parents and caregivers talk to young people about sexual health, the more they are likely to make better decisions about their own sexual health, including postponing initiation of sexual activity. Talking about sexual health does not promote sexual activity. In fact, not talking about sexuality with young people may actually lead to experimentation, ill-informed decision making, confusion about expectations and poor sexual health.
You can participate in Montana’s “It Just Makes Sense” campaign for Sexual Health Awareness Month by talking with the young adults in your life and ensuring that they are well-equipped with the knowledge to make positive choices when it comes to their sexual health. Lake County Public Health Department and Family Planning are encouraging honest and open communication regarding sexuality. We offer a variety of educational materials, resources, and learning opportunities to discuss healthy sexuality. For more information about how you can talk to the young adults in your life, please contact Judy or Sheri at Lake County Family Planning at 883-7288.
Also, for more discussion about Sexual Health Awareness Month, please tune into KSKC-TV’s “Good Medicine” program at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11.