Get Yourself Tested!

Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania (PPWP) is proud to participate in a nationwide campaign with MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation and to officially unveil “GYT: Get Yourself Tested,” a campaign to increase testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among those under 25 years of age.

In western Pennsylvania, we know that that the growing numbers of STIs in our community represent a significant health concern. PPWP is working to reduce this threat though an approach that combines awareness and education with accessible and affordable STI screening and treatment.

GYT kicks off with a mix of promotions on-air, online and in the real world that will unfold throughout the month of April in recognition of National STI Awareness Month. The central hub of the campaign, GYT09.org, will provide comprehensive information about STIs and will direct users to the nearest testing location simply by entering a zip code. A mobile companion to GYT09.org, the GYT short code (15222), provides details about local testing locations to mobile phones by texting a zip code.

As part of GYT, PPWP will be launching our new Prevention Kits that includes prevention information, risk reducing strategies, a condomA flexible sheath, usually made of thin rubber or latex, designed to cover the penis during sexual intercourse for contraceptive purposes or as a means of preventing sexually transmitted diseases. and resources for more information and services. 5000 vinyl Prevention Kits will be distributed this year!

In addition, PPWP will also offer free STI screening every Wednesday during the month of April at all of our health care clinics. For more information call 1-800-230-PLAN.

“Most people would be shocked to hear that, by age 25, one in two sexually active young people will have an STD. This is not just a statistic, but the reality of what Planned Parenthood health centers see every day,” said Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards. “The GYT campaign is an excellent opportunity for people to learn what Planned Parenthood knows — that affordable testing and treatment and education are the tools teens and young people need to stay healthy and safe.”

An all-star collective of pop culture personalities are carrying the GYT message far and wide, appearing in a series of attention-getting on-air and online promotions on MTV and other MTV Network properties this month; blasting out GYT on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms; wearing GYT on their chest and sleeves; and of course, going to get tested for STIs.

From OMG to LOL, acronyms saturate young people’s everyday vernacular, acting as common methods of communication. Playing off mobile and Web slang, GYT is an easy way for young people to talk about sexual health and getting tested for STIs. GYT will help young people internalize the risk of STIs and eliminate taboos and stigmas surrounding STIs and STI testing.