Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
The Village of Park Forest is collaborating with the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) to observe Sexual Health Awareness Month this September. The initiative aims to increase public understanding of sexual health, encourage safer sex practices, and reduce stigma associated with these topics.
Throughout the month, CCDPH has arranged a range of activities including virtual webinars, in-person events, educational toolkits, and social media outreach. These efforts are directed at residents, healthcare providers, and community partners.
“Sexual health impacts everyone, and it’s crucial that people have access to resources and education without feelings of shame or fear,” said Park Forest Recreation Manager Adina McCollough. “We want residents to understand that these conversations are about protecting health, building stronger relationships, and taking proactive steps to prevent serious, long-term issues.”
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that one in five Americans has a sexually transmitted infection (STI), with nearly 20 million new cases each year in the United States. Half of those cases occur among people aged 15 to 24. In Cook County specifically, cases of congenital syphilis more than doubled from 2020 to 2021 and remain high.
“STIs are prevalent, but the good news is that they are both preventable and treatable,” said Chief Operating Officer Dr. Kiran Joshi of CCDPH. “This month provides an opportunity to think about the steps we can all take to improve our sexual health and well-being.”
Health officials note that most STIs do not show symptoms at first. Regular testing is necessary because untreated infections can cause infertility, pregnancy complications, chronic pain, certain cancers, or even life-threatening conditions.
McCollough emphasized that improving access to information helps reduce barriers for Park Forest residents seeking care.
“By connecting people to accurate information and resources, we can reduce stigma and promote healthier choices,” she stated. “We want residents to feel empowered to take control of their health and to have open, honest conversations with healthcare providers and loved ones.”
More details on Sexual Health Awareness Month activities can be found at https://cookcountypublichealth.org/.
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