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Three Burning Questions with Megan Evans, STD Prevention Coordinator
Meet Megan, the STD Prevention Coordinator for the Prevention, Treatment and Care Program at the Utah Department of Health
What do you love most about working in STD prevention?
I love helping those who are under educated about STDs, helping them understand that sexual health is health and it’s a very important part of their lives. I love being able to serve in a position that is a bit of a dark horse when it comes to public health. I also love telling people I work in the sex industry to see their reaction.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing our field?
Utah lacks any state funding for prevention or testing/treatment of these infections so we have to be creative and utilize CDC funds the best way we can. We have to overcome a lot of stigma related to STDs and really educate the population that this isn’t someone’s ‘fault who deserves what they get’. We also have a lot of committees or groups we have to present to on the Local Health Department executive level to get things approved.
I love helping those who are under educated about STDs, helping them understand that sexual health is health and it's a very important part of their lives.
Megan EvansWhen you’re not working, what’s your favorite thing to do with your free time?
I’m super competitive, so I love playing most all games, I’ve been partial to trivia lately, but my husband owns about 200 board games that we cycle through. I played basketball in college, but lost a bit of love for the sport, but I love playing volleyball weekly. I also like doing anything that makes me laugh; comedy, movies, friends and family. I am obsessed with my twin toddlers who are the loves of my life! I just wish there was more time in a day, mostly for weekend/free time.
Megan Evans serves as the STD Prevention Coordinator for the Prevention, Treatment and Care Program at the Utah Department of Health (UDOH). Megan graduated from The University of Utah with a degree in Health Promotion and Education, she went on to earn her CHES in 2017. She has been in the STD field for over 11 years starting as a Disease Intervention Specialist for 5 years before transitioning to the UDOH. She enjoys interacting with Local Health Departments, providing technical assistance, developing aspects of the STD program, and managing the CDC grant. She has a special love for STDs and is very passionate about her job. Her free time is spent with her husband, twin toddlers, playing any and all types of games, and playing volleyball.