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Careers That Support Sexual Health
Every April, STI Awareness Month offers an opportunity to talk openly about sexual health. This month, we are reflecting on the people doing this important work every day. From clinicians to educators to health center leaders, our teams play a vital role in providing accurate information, and compassionate care that strengthens community health.
This month, we spoke with Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest’s staff to discuss how they are changing the conversation around STIs by removing barriers to care and eradicating stigma – because all people deserve to be seen, heard, and cared for.
Q: What does STI Awareness Month mean to you?
Chrissy, Sr. Director of Education and Community Engagement:
As an educator, STI awareness month brings an opportunity to educate community members and students about the realities of STIs; that they are common and highly treatable, and to help reduce stigma through discussions around the importance of communication. STIs are viruses and bacteria, the same as other infections, but since they are sexually transmitted, there is a lot of shame and stigma about them.
Michael, Health Center Manager:
STI Awareness Month is an important opportunity to remind people that accurate information and routine testing are essential to protecting long‑term health. Many STIs don’t cause symptoms at first, so early testing allows clinicians to treat infections before they lead to serious complications. From a clinical perspective, early testing is one of the best tools we have. This month helps normalize STI screening as a normal, healthy part of caring for yourself. It’s also a chance to reach people who may face barriers to care, like young people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others who experience higher rates of STIs. By raising awareness, we can connect more community members with low‑cost testing, treatment, and education in a welcoming, judgment‑free environment. When people know their status and feel supported accessing care, our entire community gets healthier and stronger.
Q: What types of questions, concerns or misconceptions come up most often from the community during STI Awareness Month?
Chrissy, Sr. Director of Education and Community Engagement:
One concern is not knowing where to get tested or how much it costs. This is why education is so important – we address these topics and more. Common questions are around how to know if you have an STI if you don’t have symptoms, what is the best protection against infections that are spread skin to skin, and any long-term impact of STIs.
Michael, Health Center Manager:
One misconception we hear often is the idea that getting tested for STIs is only necessary if you’re experiencing symptoms. Clinically, we know that many of the most common infections, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, can be completely silent at first. That means someone can feel perfectly healthy and still have an infection that needs treatment. In our health center, we spend a lot of time reassuring patients that routine testing isn’t about something being “wrong.” It’s simply a smart, proactive part of caring for your body – just like regular dental cleanings or medical checkups. When we catch an infection early, treatment is usually quick, effective, and helps prevent long‑term health issues. The more we normalize testing as a routine part of wellness, the easier it becomes for everyone to stay healthy and informed.
Q: What skills or experiences are helpful for someone interested in a career in health education?
Chrissy, Sr. Director of Education and Community Engagement:
First and foremost, it is important to check our own biases. It is also very important to be intentional with our language: things like saying “testing clean” can often add stigma unintentionally. I also find it very important to understand health disparities and where they come from. It is important to know that our identities or sexual orientation do not put us at more risk of infection. Instead, it is systems of oppression that make it more difficult to access care, to speak up about health concerns, and to feel safe in medical settings. Lastly, I would say to have patience since oftentimes, our classes are the first time someone has heard about these topics.
Q: How does education play a role in reducing STI rates and stigma?
Chrissy, Sr. Director of Education and Community Engagement:
By providing medically accurate information we can open the dialogue about what STIs are, that most do not have any symptoms, and that testing is the only way to really know your status. When we provide this education, we also provide resources on where and how to get tested. We are also providing education on the role of medication and how it suppresses viral load, which helps with reducing symptoms as well as transmission. This information not only helps with reducing STI transmission, but also stigma, as people understand that all STIs are treatable.
Q: What advice would you give someone considering a career in health care or sexual health services? What skills or qualities are most important?
Michael, Health Center Manager:
A career in sexual health is a chance to make a lasting impact on people’s lives and on the health of your community. Working in sexual and reproductive health care is incredibly rewarding. This work thrives on teamwork and a genuine passion for equity and patient-centered care. If you value supporting people through important moments in their lives, this field offers a meaningful path forward.
Q: Can you share a moment when you felt your work made a real difference in someone’s life?
Michael, Health Center Manager:
For me, this work is about creating a space where people feel safe, supported, and informed. As a Planned Parenthood Center Manager, I have heard countless stories from patients about how they were frightened, unsure where to turn for support, and felt like they were on their own. One experience that stands out was a patient who came in for STI testing after weeks of worrying in silence. They told me they almost canceled their appointment because they were afraid of what the results might mean and how others would treat them if a test were to be positive for an STI. The team took the visit step by step, answered every question, and made sure the patient felt heard rather than rushed. By the end, their entire demeanor had shifted. They said they finally felt relief, supported, and no longer felt alone. Moments like these remind me why this work matters so deeply. When someone walks in feeling scared and walks out feeling empowered – it’s clear that compassionate, judgment‑free care can make a real difference in someone’s life.
As we honor the educators and clinicians who make stigma‑free care possible, we invite anyone inspired by their impact to explore career opportunities and join a team dedicated to supporting a team dedicated to improving the health of our communities. Click here to learn more.