May 2, 2025 BY imani leave a comment

You’ve probably seen the headlines: STIs are on the rise across the country. But what does that mean for our community? And more importantly, what can we do about it?
Right now, infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are increasing at alarming rates, particularly in Black and Latino communities. Many people don’t realize how common these infections are or how easy they are to treat when caught early.
The first step?
Get tested. STIs often don’t have symptoms, which means you could be carrying one without knowing it. This is not intended to scare you, but rather, to raise awareness and educate you on the options and resources available to support you.
At MASS, we offer free and confidential testing with caring staff who are here to support you every step of the way.
The second thing you want to do is use protection ALWAYS.
Condoms are still one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of STIs. And yes, we provide those for free, too.
Thirdly, talk about it. Break the silence with your partner, your friends, and within your community.
The more we normalize conversations about sexual health, the more we protect each other.
Be rest assured that we’re committed to educating, equipping, and empowering you to live your best life.
STIs may be rising, but so is our determination to fight back. Together, we can stop the spread and build a culture of care and prevention.
Come get tested. Come get protected.
We’re here for you. 💝
