On August 25 through August 28, 2022, Christy Altidor, MPH, CPH, Director, Adolescent Health Policy; Tanya Bass, PhD, CHES, CSE, Director, Health Equity; and Jerrica Davis, MPH, Senior Manager, Adolescent Health all attended the SisterSong (Women of Color Reproductive Justice) “Let’s Talk About Sex” Conference in Dallas, Texas, to present about the vital connection between Reproductive Justice and STD prevention. The theme for this year’s conference was “Our Blueprint for a Body Revolution”. There were over 1,100 participants in attendance virtually and in person. With full intention to prioritize the attendance of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, gender non-conforming, those living with disabilities, and youth leaders, this conference was a vital opportunity to assess a new reality, deepen the work at the intersections and vision for a future following the horrific decision by the Supreme Court to strike down Roe v. Wade.  SisterSong believes that the Reproductive Justice movement holds the blueprint to help seize this moment. SisterSong’s mission is to center the needs, experiences, and leadership of communities and individuals who have been historically pushed to the margins.

On Friday, August 25^th, the NCSD team presented a workshop entitled “Inclusive Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention IS Reproductive Justice!”   The purpose of their workshop was to provide insight and share strategies to ensure that STI and disease prevention is provided utilizing a reproductive justice and equitable approach. During their workshop, staff shared information, resources, and strategies from NCSD that call for collaboration and inclusion.  As reproductive justice demands sexual autonomy and gender freedom for every human being, this same tenet is the driving factor for sexual health and disease management and prevention. NCSD is committed to creating and implementing effective approaches for partnerships that will increase culturally appropriate/responsive, inclusive and sex positive STD prevention and education. The session was well attended and participants have been reaching out to learn more their work at NCSD.