Genesee County Health Department
Better Life Through Better Health
Date:
June 8, 2010
Release
Date: June
8, 2010
End Date: June 30, 2010
Contact
Person:
Deborah Cain, R.N., M.P.A.
Phone:
(810) 257-3435
RE:
Genesee County Health Department Launches Innovative
Sexual Health Text Messaging System
The Genesee County Health
Department received a grant from the Ruth Mott Foundation for the development of
the (((getreal))) text messaging system. Innovative technology allows
teens to connect up with local resources to receive accurate information with
regard to sexual health. Beginning June 7, 2010, teens who have questions about
relationship or reproductive health issues can text realtxt to 61827
on a mobile phone to receive instant text messages with answers on where to
go for help. Youth can also visit a new website at
www.realtxt.org, developed to address the
needs of teens seeking answers and resources for sexual health.
The website
has links and comprehensive contact information which was developed by the
Genesee County Healthy Sexuality Coalition. This collaboration is comprised of
key community stakeholders, faith-based organizations, schools, health care
providers, and youth advocates.
The text
messaging project was designed for 15-19 year olds because each year one in four
sexually active youth will get a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The
coalition’s goal is to reach these youth who often face barriers to services and
are at higher risk for unintended pregnancy.
Teens who face
decisions about whether to have sex, worry about becoming pregnant, or are scared
they might have an STI do not always feel comfortable asking for
help. The text messaging system will allow
them to ask questions anonymously and connect to local services that include
health education, STI/HIV testing and related treatment, free condoms, and help
for those experiencing relationship or dating violence.
The concept of
using text messages to link young people to sexual health resources started in
San Francisco. Genesee County will join a growing number of communities around
the nation using this approach. The Genesee County Health Department continues
to work with partners from the Healthy Sexuality Coalition to launch the text
messaging system and support sexual health.
The text
messaging project builds on the coalition’s past work to map Genesee County’s
existing sexual health resources. To view the asset map, visit the Genesee
County Health Department’s website at www.gchd.us.
For additional information, contact Deborah Cain, Genesee County Health
Department, at (810) 257-3435.
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