Toronto Public Health marks STI Awareness Week and encourages residents to call Sexual Health Infoline Ontario for support and referrals

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is marking STI Awareness Week from this Sunday, April 9 to Saturday, April 15. This annual campaign raises awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and promotes resources to improve sexual health. This year, TPH is encouraging residents, particularly young adults who are sexually active, to get tested for STIs and to contact the Sexual Health Infoline Ontario (SHILO) for free, anonymous and inclusive sexual health information, support and referrals.

SHILO is operated by TPH in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Health and offers a province-wide, free and anonymous eChat and phone service. Residents can connect with sexual health counsellors in English, French and other languages by phone or in English online seven days a week. SHILO counsellors provide reliable information and assistance on sexual health topics including STIs, STI testing, HIV (PrEP, PEP and point-of-care tests), contraception, pregnancy options, and referrals to sexual health clinics and community agencies. More information is available on the Sexual Health Clinics webpage: www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-clinics/sexual-health-clinics/.

Ontario residents can call SHILO at 416-392-2437 (toll-free: 1-800-668-2437) or eChat live at Sexual Health Ontario to access confidential advice and counselling: www.sexualhealthontario.ca/.

A key finding of TPH’s recently released Toronto’s Population Health Profile: Insight on the Health of Our City (www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/940f-Torontos-Population-Health-Profile-2023.pdf) was a significant decrease in testing and screening for many STIs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some people with an STI, including HIV, show no signs or symptoms. If left untreated, some STIs can lead to serious health problems. Many STIs are curable and effective treatment options for HIV exist.

Residents are encouraged to see a health care provider or visit a sexual health clinic to get tested. More information about testing is available on Health Canada’s Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI) webpage: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/sexual-health/getting-tested-sexually-transmitted-infections.html.

In 2021, SHILO received 12,321 visitors, of which 66 per cent were phone calls and 34 per cent were through eChat. That year, 37 per cent of SHILO clients were aged 20 to 29 years old. The most commonly discussed topics were STI testing (37 per cent) and STI risk/transmission (34 per cent). The Toronto area sees the highest number of phone calls (60 per cent of total calls) and eChats (18 per cent of total eChats) in Ontario.

Quotes:

“Sexual health is a critical component of wellness in our city and is often neglected due to stigma and lack of inclusive care. I am pleased to see that TPH is continuing to run the Sexual Health Infoline Ontario and I challenge all residents to take the first step to addressing their sexual health and ensure they are regularly tested for STIs. Many individuals can have STIs and show no symptoms, so I encourage everyone to take advantage of the services offered by TPH this STI Awareness Week.”
– Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre), Chair of the Board of Health

“STI Awareness Week is a good time to raise awareness of sexually transmittable infections and the supports available to Toronto residents. If you have questions about your sexual health, I strongly encourage you to speak with your primary care provider or avail yourself of the Sexual Health Infoline Ontario (SHILO) for free, anonymous and inclusive sexual health information, support and referrals.”
– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health