Sexually transmitted diseases aren’t fun for anyone to talk about, however it seems that Butte County needs its birds-and-the-bees talk again after the California Department of Public Health released its 2016 STD Surveillance Report.
In California, Butte County ranks seventh in chlamydia, fourth in youth chlamydia, and second in female youth chlamydia. Public health officials in the county said they think apathy is a major proponent in the spread of STDs.
Butte County Public Health Education specialist Cassie Miracle believes transportation and confidentiality in the small rural community can come between people receiving the protection and treatment that they need.
“We want to break down those barriers so people can get the necessary help for the people that are most vulnerable.”Miracle said. She also says chlamydia is not the only STD Butte County should be worrying about. “Syphilis is not uncommon, it’s weasling its way back.”
One of the bigger risks that many communities face is individual misconceptions about health and sex.
“(Vasectomies and birth control) protects you from pregnancy, but you are still at risk,” Miracle said. “Everyone needs to assess their own health and that might mean being in a monogamous relationship, get tested regularly if you are sexually active, or just don’t have sex if you’re not sure.”
Martha Rickaby, a nurse from the Butte County Office of Education, believes the local and state governments are doing what they can to help teens, however social factors can come into play.
“There's actually a state law that enforces teaching safe sex, comprehensive education course, I conduct the special education program,” Rickaby said. She is concerned that the students don’t take the class as seriously as they should.
“For the most part I think they are there because they need to be there. I would like to see more participation.” Rickaby said. Similar to Cassie Miracle, she believes “Butte County might be inconvenient for some and they might think getting confidential transportation could be an issue.”
Rural areas in Butte County limit transportation to health centers. The small community can make it difficult to keep personal secrets, and students don’t want to ask for rides to a sexual-health clinic. Rickaby also believes bored teenagers are more at risk for contracting STDs. “If teenagers don’t have activities to do then they are more at risk.”
