FOR IMMEDEATE RELEASE                                                                                               Contact: Coral Lopez

August 7, 2007                                                                                                                                     323 387-1533

WITH BIENESTAR…I KNOW

Startling STD Rates Prompt Leading Latino Agency to Launch New STD Testing Services

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recently launched their “I Know” media campaign as part of a comprehensive plan to combat the increased rates of Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Syphilis. BIENESTAR, in partnership with the County’s Department of Public Health, has joined the county-wide efforts and has launched free and confidential STD testing services at three key sites in the Los Angeles area specifically targeting those communities most impacted by STDs.

“Over the years BIENESTAR has become a known resource in the Latino community and we are using this longstanding recognition and trust from our community to ensure that key communities are being reached and tested. This includes youth, Latina women and gay Latino men who are being disproportionately affected by Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Syphilis,” said Oscar De La O, President of BIENESTAR.

According to the Los Angeles Department of Public Health STD Program, young men and women between the ages of 15-24 accounted for almost half of all reported Gonorrhea cases in 2006. The Los Angeles Department of Public Health also reported that Latina women make up approximately 40 percent of all reported Chlamydia cases while their white counterparts represent only 7 percent. Last year, the county recorded a 365 percent increase in syphilis rates among gay and bisexual men since 2001.

BIENESTAR is currently offering free STD testing at their Long Beach, South LA and East LA locations and is planning to expand these services throughout their many locations in Southern California. All services are free and confidential and available to all persons over the age of 13 regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, gender identity or financial status.

About BIENESTAR: BIENESTAR is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of the Latino community and other underserved communities. BIENESTAR accomplishes this through community education, prevention, mobilization, advocacy and the provision of direct social support services. www.bienestar.org

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