By Ajoya Long
Special to the NNPA from the St. Louis American
The National Coalition for Sexual Health (NCSH), which consists of over 50 leading health and medical organizations, is urging African Americans to take advantage of little-to-no cost preventive health care services.
With increased access to health insurance coverage, African Americans can now utilize many recommended sexual health services for free, including the HPV vaccine, female contraceptives (including the IUD, implant, and pill), pap smears and screening for sexually transmitted diseases.
However, statistics show that not enough African Americans are using these services. For example, in 2013, only 34 percent of Black girls and 16 percent of Black boys received all three doses of the HPV vaccine, the only cancer prevention vaccine currently available.
“You and your health matter. We know you have a lot on your plate, but we all need to make room for our sexual health. Just like protecting your heart health, managing your blood pressure, and exercising regularly – it’s worth your time,” said Christian J. Thrasher, director of The Center of Excellence for Sexual Health, Morehouse School of Medicine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force also recommends that all Americans take advantage of these services.
“Knowledge is power. It’s important to take charge of your own sexual health, and get informed about the services that are recommended for you. Don’t assume that you are automatically getting these services when you go to your health care provider. You need to ask your provider to be sure,” said NCSH Co-Director Susan Gilbert.
To help Americans get the services they need, a free guide and website are available from the NCSH, which features action steps for good sexual health, charts of recommended services for men and women, questions to ask health care providers, and other resources.
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