Responding to the fact that young people account for half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occurring in the U.S. each year – and most don't know they are infected – the GYT: Get Yourself Tested campaign is a youthful, empowering social movement to encourage young people to get tested and treated for STDs and HIV. GYT increases awareness about STDs and how to prevent them; links young people to STD testing services; and promotes a more open dialogue with partners and health care providers.
For a generation accustomed to communicating in shorthand, the GYT acronym presents STD testing in a context that is familiar and relatable to young people. GYT encourages testing as an act of pride, not shame, and promotes an open dialogue about STDs by encouraging young people to get themselves tested and spread the word about the campaign.
Schools, clinics, and health departments across the country have successfully implemented GYT events. And we invite you to do the same. Order free GYT Materials or download and print the GYT materials below to help increase the visibility of your GYT events. Additionally, you can order.
Flyers
GYT flyers can be customized for your event. Download the flyer, enter information about your testing or awareness event, then print. These 8.5 x 11 flyers can be printed from your desk jet printer and is a low-cost way to increase awareness about your GYT event.
Logos
GYT logos can be added to materials for your testing or awareness event. Download and save the logo, add the image to your event material (such as flyer, poster, or email communication), then print. Logos are a great way to unify your event components.
Brochures
GYT informational brochures can be downloaded by clicking the links below. These two-sided brochures include information to help increase awareness of STDs and STD prevention. Once downloaded and saved, print the brochure.
Posters – 8.5 x 11
GYT Posters can be downloaded by clicking the links below. Once downloaded and saved, print the poster. This is a great, low-cost option to increase awareness about your GYT event.
Posters – 11 x 17
GYT Posters can be downloaded by clicking the links below. Once downloaded and saved, print the poster. This is a great, low-cost option to increase awareness about your GYT event.
Posters – 24 x 36
GYT Posters can be downloaded by clicking the links below. Once downloaded and saved, print the poster. This is a great, low-cost option to increase awareness about your GYT event.
Stickers
GYT stickers can be downloaded by clicking the links below. Once downloaded and saved, print the image on label paper. Stickers are a great way to spread the word about GYT.
T-Shirts
GYT images and logos can be included on t-shirts. Once downloaded and saved, send the art to a company that creates customizable t-shirts. Some schools may even have the capacity to do this in the art department.
Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
GYT PSAs can be downloaded by clicking the links below. Work with your campus or local radio stations to promote GYT among youth through radio PSAs. If you would like to order GYT television PSAs (which can help youth deal with the process of STD testing, diagnosis, and disclosure), please contact: itsyoursexlife@mtv.com.
GYT was launched in April 2009 as an ongoing promotion under It's Your (Sex) Life, a longstanding public information partnership of MTV, and the Kaiser Family Foundation. Supporting partners of GYT include: American College Health Association (ACHA), Kaiser Family Foundation, National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD), MTV, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Technical consultation is provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).