June 24, 2019, Washington DC – Today, Pediatrics published a new study by CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health on the long-term health impact of adolescent “connectedness” – a term used to refer to an individual’s feeling of care, support, and belonging at school and at home. The study shows that young people who feel more “connected” as teens are 54 percent less likely to get an STD when they are adults. They also have significantly better outcomes in other areas of sexual health, mental health, violence, and substance misuse.

Below is a statement from David C. Harvey, executive director for the National Coalition of STD Directors:

“STDs are at all-time highs in the U.S., and young people account for more than half of all new diagnoses. This study shows that supporting young people through their teenage years is critical for preventing STDs in this generation today and tomorrow.

CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health and its Division of STD Prevention are doing essential work to ensure young people have the help they need, including safe and supportive school environments and comprehensive and inclusive sex education. This is especially important for LGBTQ youth, who often feel isolated at home and at school and who face disproportionate risk for STDs.

NCSD calls on Congress to fully fund CDC’s work on adolescent and school health and STD prevention to protect the health of today’s teens and future generations.”