London, ON – Just a few days ahead of Valentine’s Day, the Western University community has broken a three year-old world record, for screening the most people for sexually transmitted infections (STI) ever in a single day. The new record, which saw 813 people get tested, was set last night at Western’s University Community Centre, topping the previous mark of 767 set on Valentine’s Day, 2013 in Basingstoke, England. The screening, conducted by Middlesex-London Health Unit staff in collaboration with Western University Student Council, took 12 hours and wrapped up just after 9:00 p.m. It was the second time the MLHU had partnered with Western at attempting a new record, falling just short in 2014.
While the feat will not be recognized officially by Guinness World Records, the achievement sets a new benchmark and helps raise awareness about STI screening and testing. Although the idea of getting tested can make some people feel embarrassed or that they may be judged, this event removed those concerns, highlighting how easy screening actually is.
“Getting tested for an STI is as simple as peeing in a cup, so even though people may have an initial mental hurdle to clear, they realize pretty quickly there’s nothing to it,” says Chris Blain, Health Promoter with the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Sexual Health Team. “This event really encourages participation and brings a sense of competition to what is a really important issue that a lot of post-secondary students might not otherwise consider. It’s a clear win if we can have some fun, while making sure people get the information they need to stay healthy.”
The Sexual Health Team will be at Fanshawe College’s Merlin Residence tonight between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. to conduct a second round of STI screening. While the likelihood of another record setting evening may not be the goal, it is hoped that students will participate.
Once diagnosed, most STIs can be treated easily, but left alone some infections can lead to serious illness - even permanent damage such as infertility. The Health Unit recommends anyone who is sexually active should get tested for STIs with each new sexual partner.
When it’s not helping set world records, the MLHU offers free and anonymous STI testing at its 50 King Street Sexual Health Clinic, Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The clinic operates on a drop-in basis where clients do not need to make appointments or show their health card. It offers a safe and non-judgemental place where clients can have open discussions about their sexual health with professionals.
More information and a list of clinic services is also available on the Health Unit website at http://www.healthunit.com/sexually-transmitted-infections.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)
Spokesperson:
Chris Blain, Health Promoter, Middlesex-London Health Unit