SCR 109, as introduced, Lara. National STD Awareness Month and National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day.
This measure would provide that the Legislature recognizes April 2014 as National STD Awareness Month, and recognizes April 10, 2014, as National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day.
Fiscal committee: no.
P1 1WHEREAS, Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a
2significant health challenge facing the United States. New data
3from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
4suggest that there are more than 110 million total new and existing
5infections among men and women across the nation; and
6WHEREAS, According to the CDC, there are an estimated 20
7million new infections of STDs annually; and
8WHEREAS, STDs place a significant economic strain on the
9United States’ health care system. The CDC conservatively
10estimates that the lifetime cost of treating eight of the most
11common STDs contracted in just one year is $15.6 billion; and
12WHEREAS, Many infections go undetected because they often
13have no symptoms, but even STDs that do not have symptoms can
14have serious health consequences. Undiagnosed and untreated
15infections cause 24,000 women to become infertile each year; and
P2 1WHEREAS, Young people are disproportionately at risk of
2infection. In 2013, Americans 15 to 24 years of age, inclusive,
3made up just 27 percent of the sexually active population, but
4accounted for 50 percent of the 20 million new STDs in the United
5States that year; and
6WHEREAS, Stigma, inconsistent or incorrect condom use,
7limited access to health care, and a combination of other factors
8contribute to high rates of STDs among teens and young adults.
9In the United States, almost 40 percent of new HIV infections are
10young people 13 to 29 years of age, inclusive; and
11WHEREAS, Some school districts provide condoms free of
12charge to students through condom availability programs. Condoms
13are a proven method for reducing transmission of STDs, including
14HIV; and
15WHEREAS, Consistent and correct use of male latex condoms
16can reduce, though not eliminate, the risk of STD transmission.
17Other effective strategies for reducing STD risk include abstinence
18from sex, mutual monogamy, reducing the number of sexual
19partners, and vaccination for certain diseases; and
20WHEREAS, For all individuals who are sexually active,
21particularly young people, STD screening and prompt treatment,
22if infected, are critical to protect a person’s health and prevent
23transmission to others; now, therefore, be it
24Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
25thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes April as
26National STD Awareness Month; and be it further
27Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes April 10, 2014, as
28National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day; and be it further
29Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of
30this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
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