by Sexual Health Rankings | Jan 10, 2014 | News
We are back from our year-end hiatus, and looking forward to releasing the second edition of Sexual Health Rankings™. We aim to publish the 2013 state rankings and data online this month, with the full 2013 report to follow in February. This update will include new data and refinements to our methods.
The first edition of Sexual Health Rankings™ generated tremendous enthusiasm within the public health field and beyond. We’re grateful for all the opportunities we had last year to present and discuss the project, and for the encouragement we’ve received to keep going.
In December and November, the National Coalition of STD Directors hosted two Webinars on Sexual Health Rankings™, which drew hundreds of participants from across the nation. We also presented at three important conferences last year: an oral presentation at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, in Boston; a poster presentation at Reproductive Health 2013, in Denver; and an oral presentation at YTH Live, in San Francisco. We also had the honor of joining the National Coalition for Sexual Health, and attending its founding meeting in Washington, DC.
Thank you for your continued interest, and please stay tuned for announcements about SHR 2013 in the coming weeks.
Yours in sexual health,
Martin Downs, MPH
Project Director
by Kait Scalisi | Jan 10, 2014 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from around the country.
One-third of Teens Do Not Discuss Sexual Health with Physicians (Medical News Today)
This study examined discussions about sexual health between physicians and adolescents. Researchers recorded office visits and found that two-thirds included any discussion of sex. Talks generally lasted more than 35 seconds and were started by the physician. They were more likely if patients were female, older, or African-American, when confidentiality was clear, and during longer visits.
AHF Partners with GMAD for New Brooklyn Sexual Health Clinic (4-Traders)
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) opened its newest Men’s Wellness Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., at the Gay Men of African Descent’s (GMAD) facility. The Center’s goal is to make STD testing easy to access and affordable as well as to encourage regular sexual health screenings.
Transgender Rights Referendum Reaches Next Step (AP)
An effort to put a California law allowing transgender students to choose bathrooms and sports teams is one step closer to going to a vote. Opponents of the law, which went into effect Jan 1, gathered enough signatures to make the law eligible. Counties must now verify each signature to see if there is enough to put the referendum on the ballot in November.
Survey Finds High Rate of Rape, Sexual Assault at Montana State Prison (Missoulian.com)
A survey of inmates in nearly 600 prisons identified a Montana State Prison as having one of the highest rates of sexual violence. The prison reported rates of inmate-on-inmate and staff-on-inmate violence at four and five times higher than the national average respectively. Prison officials disagree with the results.
Ohio also reported higher-than-average rates. For more information, click here.
Cornell Revamps Sexual Assault Policies, Takes Proactive Approach (Huffington Post)
Rather than wait for a sexual assault controversy to occur, Cornell officials began changing policies immediately. The cases are handled by a different administrator and have a less rigorous burden of proof for the victim. The changes were made based on both a student-faculty council and extensive input from students.
Reaching Out to Prevent HIV in High-Risk Youth (USA Today)
Chicago is leading the way in creative programs that reach youth at-risk for HIV. A team of three hospitals, 60 community organizations, and dozens of health care providers are creating unique programs that reach youth in their spaces (e.g. bathhouses). Additionally, they’re excelling at the “linkage to care” model which focuses on the patients and helps them overcome individual barriers
by Kait Scalisi | Nov 22, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from around the country.
Illinois Becomes 16th State to Allow Same-Sex Marriage (CNN)
Another week, another state that legalizes same-sex marriage. This week, Illinois passed the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. The measure, which had support from both IL’s governor and President Obama, will go into effect in June 2014.
Orgasmic Inequality in Hookups (NY Times)
Research suggests women are less likely to have orgasms during uncommitted sexual encounters than in serious relationships. At the same time, researchers say young women are becoming equal partners in hookup culture, often just as willing as young men to venture into sexual relationships without emotional ties.
Graphene Used to Create More Pleasurable Condoms (The Telegraph)
In its efforts to promote condom use and decrease both STIs and unplanned pregnancies, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded over $100,000 to a British researcher who wants to create a condom that is thinner, safer and enhances the natural sensations of intercourse. The condom would be made out of a carbon material called graphene.
Senate Begins Debate on Military Sexual Assault Plans (USA Today)
On Wednesday, the Senate began considering two plans to change how the military handles sexual assault. The first is supported by the Senate and replaces commanders with miltary lawyers. The second, suppported by Pentagon leaders, allows commanders to determine what cases get prosecuted by removes several layers of their authority.
Massachusetts Legislative Committee Readies Sex Education Bill (MassLive.com)
A new MA bill that would require schools to teach abstinence alongside contraception and disease prevention was released this week. The bill also requires all lessons to be scientifically accurate and age-appropriate and teaches students to negotiate relationships and sexual activity.
Wash. Officials Tasked With Telling Exes They’ve Been Exposed to Gonorrhea (NY Daily News)
Public health officials in Washington state will now notify infected individuals’ partners that they’ve been exposed to gonorrhea. The service is free and anoymous with the goal fo preventing the spread of the disease.
Friday, Nov. 15, 2013
Hawaii’s Senate Gives Final Approval to Same-Sex Marriage (NPR)
On Wednesday, after calling the legislature into a special vote, Hawaii’s governer signed a law making same sex marriage legal in the state. Weddings can begin on December 2.
Air Force Officer Who Led Sex-Assault Unit Cleared of Assault Charge (U.S. News on NBCNews.com)
The former head of the military’s sexual assault prevention program was found not guilty of assaulting a woman after his attorney successfully argued there were inconsistencies in the accuser’s story. A female general took over the colonel’s former role.
Being a Bully Linked to Casual, Risky Sex (NBCNews.com)
A study of over 9,000 high school students reveals a connection between acting as a bully or being bullied and engaging in either causual sex or sex while drunk or high. The correlation remained even when researchers took into account other
factors that are known to increase risky sexual behaviors. The link was strongest for heterosexual teens.
New HIV/AIDS Report Card Shows Improvement, But Things Can Be Better (DCist.com)
An annual HIV/AIDS report card for DC shows declines in the number of newly diagnosed cases. The report argues, however, that number is still too high and offers suggestions to improve the numbers even more. It also reveals inadequacies in the District’s HIV/AIDS education and poor communication between public health officials and clinicians.
Congress Lifts Ban on HIV-Positive Organ Transplants for HIV-Positive Patients on the Wait List (Cleveland.com)
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act. The act makes it possible for patients with HIV to receive organs from seropositive donors. The act had bipartisan support along with that of the major transplant groups in the US.
Faced with Record HIV Rates, This Florida School District is Pushing to Expand Sex Ed (Think Progress)
As the HIV epidemic worsens in Broward County, Florida, school officials are pushing to incorporate comprehensive sex education. The changes would require schools to submit annual reports detailed sex ed classes so that the quality of instruction can be evaluated.
by Kait Scalisi | Nov 1, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from around the country.
Appeals Court Lifts Injunction on Texas Abortion Laws (LA Times)
A federal appeals court has reversed the decision of a Texas judge that blocks restrictions on abortions. The court ruled there was ample evidence to support the admitting privileges requirement but added an exception to the limits on medication abortions.
Senate to Vote on Gay Rights Bill by Thanksgiving (USA Today)
For the first time since 1996, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act is receiving a full Senate vote. The Act, supported by President Obama and legislators on both sides of the aisle, bans workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Close-Up of HIV Virus Could Help AIDS Vaccine Research (LA Times)
Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute have captured molecular images of HIV that provide clues on how the virus infiltrates human immune cells. Such imaging provides vital information for the development of a vaccine.
Planned Parenthood Brings Sex Ed Straight to Teens’ Cell Phones (Think Progress)
Planned Parenthood is using adolescents’ obsession with cell phones and social media to teach them about healthy relationships, sexual readiness, and birth control. The organization has developed three age-appropriate sets of online tools to engage elementary, middle, and high-school aged adolescents.
Trustees Approve New Sex Ed Policy (Reno Gazette-Journal)
After their sex ed curriculum was called “discriminatory and homophobic, Reno school officials have approved a new sex ed policy. Unlike the current curriculum, the new policy calls for a well-planned, scientifically-accurate, and comprehensive sequence of lessons.
by Kait Scalisi | Oct 25, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from around the country.
Teachers’ Unions Fight Bill That Would Bar Sex Offenders From Schools (Fox News)
Major teachers’ unions are attempting to block a bipartisan bill that would prevent sex offenders from working in schools. Supporters want a zero-tolerance policy while the unions are worried the measure will affect workers’ protections.
Stem Cell Transplants May Harm Recipient’s Sex Life (Health)
A new study shows that blood cancer treatments can impact the sex lives of patients even after recovery. Participants reported decreases in the frequency of sex as well as their sexual function, satisfaction, and drive. Overall, women reported significantly worse sexual effects than men.
Firm Loses Appeal in Contraception Provision Fight (The State)
An appeals court did not grant Eden Foods, a well known organic company, an exemption to the requirement that employers provide workers with free contraceptive coverage. Though Eden’s CEO claims such provision is against his beliefs, the court concluded that as a secular, for-profit company, Eden cannot exercise religious protection.
Public Costs from Unintended Pregnancies and the Role of Public Insurance Programs in Paying for Pregnancy and Infant Care: Estimates for 2008 (Guttmacher Institute)
A new study from the Guttmacher Institute argues that better family planning programs can not only help improve the health, social, and economic outcomes for women but also save the US $12.5 billion per year. This number equals the public costs for births resulting from unintended pregnancy and would be double if not for current prevention services.
Ingham County Couples Disappointed by Delay in Same-Sex Marriage Ruling (Lansing State Journal)
A federal jude in Detroit delayed the ruling for a pivotal lawsuit that challenges Michigan’s ban on same sex marriage and adopting a same-sex partner’s child. Rather then rule from the bench, the judge scheduled a trial for February 2014.
Gender-Neutral Housing Sparks Campus Debates (Rolling Stone)
The fight for gender-neutral housing, in which students can choose to live with someone of any gender, continues on at UNC-Chapel Hill since the Board of Governors’ vetoed the option for this year. The conversation about this issue which traditionally was part of the LGBTQ community has broadened to include most co-eds.
HIV Protective Drugs ‘Do Not Increase Sexual Risk-Taking’ (Medical News Today)
Using data from the Partners PrEP study, researchers found that rates of unprotected sex between heterosexual couples with different HIV statuses did not increase even when they knew about the effectiveness pre-exposure prophylaxis at preventing transmission.
Proposed Legislation Should Make Sex Trafficking an Expensive Crime (Macomb Daily)
A package of 19 bills seeks to deal with sex trafficking in Michigan from several fronts. These include but are not limited to: loss of parental rights for parents convicted of trafficking, eliminating the statue of limitations for such offenses, charging adult entertainment operators a fee per customer, and placing customers who purchase sex on the sex offender registry.
UO Designs Sex Ed App (The Register-Guard)
Over 100 people at the University of Oregon have created a smart phone app called SexPositive that teaches users about the risks of sexual activities, how to talk about them, and safer alternatives. The app uses two spinning wheels, one with body parts and the other with objects, to get the job done.
by Kait Scalisi | Oct 4, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from around the country.
Lesbian Florida Teen to Accept Plea in Underage Sex Case (Daily News)
Nineteen year old Kaitlyn Hunt accepted a plea deal that includes jail time and house arrests but does not require her to register as sex offender. Hunt is accused of having sex with an underage girlfriend.
Doctor Sues to Regain License after Sex Abuse Charges Dropped (Chicago Tribune)
A Chicago doctor accused of several sex crimes is suing the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to remove the suspension of his medical license. The suspension came after the doctor did not comply with a requirement to see patients only with a chaperone present. All charges were dismissed in August.
‘Porn and Pizza’: Gay Rights Club Hosts Event for Sexual Health (International Business Times)
University of South Carolina students recently used porn as a medium to discuss health sexual practices. The event, titled ‘Porn and Pizza,’ was hosted by the Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Straight Alliance and involved watching movie clips, interactive games, and a detailed discussion on the different views of sexual health.
Obamacare Cuts Costs of Sexual Healthcare with Co-pay Elimination (Healthcare Finance News)
This week’s opening of the Health Insurance Marketplace means millions more Americans have access to key sexual healthcare. Low-cost insurance plans and the removal of co-pays for services like HIV screening, birth control, and pregnancy care mean tens of millions of individuals can receive the guidance and care they need.
Cocaine May Make People More Susceptible to HIV (CBS News)
A new study shows that cocaine lowers the defenses of some immune system cells to HIV infection. Though other studies have linked cocaine use with a higher risk of contracting HIV, this one showed how a cell not normally infected by HIV can be weakened by the drug. Implications of the study include watching patients with histories of substance abuse more closely.
The Silent Infection (Missoula Independent)
Public health officials in Montana are warning residents about the states alarming increase in gonorrhea and chlamydia rates. Part of the rise is due to increased testing on American Indian reservations; however, this factor does not explain the entire increase implying that rates are still rising overall.
New Nebraska Family Alliance Attacks Transgender Student Athletes (Think Progress)
Two prominent Nebraska social conservative groups have come together to form the Nebraska Family Alliance. First on their agenda is to block a policy that would allow transgender students to participate equally in school athletics. The Alliance bases its argument on safety and financial concerns.
Azusa Pacific University Students Rally Behind Embattled Transgender Professor (NBC Southern California)
Students at a Christian university are supporting a theology professor who was asked to step down after coming out as transgender. While the professor’s lawyer argues that he did not violate any policies, students are focusing on his merits as a teacher.
