The GYT: Get Yourself Tested events are collaborative, youth-focused health education events that encourage STI testing and health promotion. GYT helps young people understand that STI testing is quick, simple, and usually painless. It also underscores the importance of having open and honest conversations with their healthcare provider about their sexual history to ensure they get the right STI tests and other critical information about prevention. These events also promote overall adolescent health, raise awareness of and connect youth to local resources, and offer the opportunity to represent the various opportunities in the health/public health/social services fields.
Central Illinois Friends' Volunteers will be assigned one of the following duties:
- Assist students in completing intake questionnaires as they prepare to Get Tested
- Assist staff to process specimens for testing
- Lead an interactive, educational game at a Central Illinois Friends table during the health fair
Volunteers are expected to model the GYT Values:
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Positive attitudes towards presenting comprehensive (including abstinence and contraception) sexual health information to youth, and promotion of holistic wellness for adolescents
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Tact and sensitivity toward the feelings and opinions of others when presenting health information to youth
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Collaboration with the community to reduce rates of STI and HIV infections, reduce disparities in STI and HIV infections, and reinforce efforts to reduce teen pregnancy rates
For more information about the GYT Events, please contact Becca Mathis, Director of Clinical Services: becca@centralillinoisfriends.org
The GYT: Get Yourself Tested Events are a community collaboration between Central Illinois Friends and Hult Center for Healthy Living, Carle In-School Health, Peoria Public Schools, and countless other community-based agencies in Central Illinois.
These events are made possible with funding from the Heart of Illinois United Way.
