GYT Talking Tips

Why

1 in 2 sexually active young people will get a sexually transmitted disease (STD) by 25. And of the approximately 20 million new STDs that occur every year in the United States, most will go undiagnosed. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to GYT.

What

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.

Who

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).

Where

GYT is on-air, online, and mobile resource that you can access anywhere. On the ground, the campaign is promoted in health centers and other clinics, in communities, and on campuses across the country.

When

GYT runs year round, with significant promotions in April, which is STD Awareness Month. Special incentives and materials have been developed to encourage young people to visit their local health centers and clinics to get tested.

How

GYT! Get Yourself Tested. To find your local STD testing center, visit GetTested.cdc.gov. You can also help others live healthier and happier lives by spreading the word about GYT online or organizing a GYT event for your community or campus.