Chlamydia represents around 80 percent of all STD cases each year, so it’s important to break down the data for this disease specifically. When the data is analyzed, it is apparent that young women between the ages of 15-24 are most at risk. The only way to help young adults learn about safe sex is through education and testing.

The other area of concern is the upward trajectories of the reported STDs. Residents have made a concerted effort to increase sexual awareness and education. Public schools have increased the rigor with which they teach sexual health. As recently as 2012, the state had no concrete guidelines for sexual education. There were no requirements on what should and should not be taught. Efforts have improved, but poor education is a large contributor to the state’s chlamydia problem.

Without comprehensive sex education classes, most students do not understand the importance of regular testing. They also don’t know that the simple procedure is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of STDs. Regular Herpes testing in Minnesota can help protect high school students from the transmittable disease, and lower infection rates. Regular HIV testing in Minnesota is also critical, especially now that incident rates are rising.

Analyzing demographics enables state health professionals to see where they need to target their awareness efforts. Minnesota is home to several dense city centers and college populations are strong across the state. With large centers of young people living together, it’s a perfect recipe for an outbreak without proper testing and education.

Considering chlamydia is the primary issue facing residents, the demographic data for that disease is considered especially significant. African American communities are 9 times more likely to deal with chlamydia than other communities in the state. Native Americans are also 4 times as likely to have the disease.

Much of the disparity across racial lines is due to poverty and lack of access to education. Due to the state’s struggles with implementing sexual education, it’s no surprise that lower income students feel this burden the most.

Without access to affordable treatment or sexual health education, it’s difficult for communities to keep themselves safe and healthy. As education efforts increase, clinicians hope to assist at-risk communities in controlling the spread of STDs. The more people in these communities know about the resources that are available, the less STDs will spread. If you know a member of one of these at-risk communities, consider showing them the free clinics in their area.

The rising STD rates across the state means that everyone is potentially at risk, regardless of sexual activity. It is understandable if you want to avoid the long lines at the community STI clinics, and now you don’t have to spend the day in a crowded waiting room. With one phone call, you can easily schedule confidential STD testing. Since it only takes a few minutes at a local lab, you still have plenty of time left to catch the daily sales at the fabulous Mall of America.