Jefferson County, Colo. — At Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH), we know that it’s important for all members of our community to feel educated and empowered about their sexual health. That’s why this September, for National Sexual Health Awareness Month, JCPH is excited to announce a new resource for Jefferson County residents — a new text line called Text4SexFacts.
Text4SexFacts is a free, anonymous text line, available at 720-443-1717 for both teens and adults in Jeffco to ask questions about sexual and reproductive health and, in return, to get factual, non-judgmental answers from one of our JCPH nursing staff. Information is available on a variety of topics, including birth control methods, signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy, hours and services at our clinic and more. While JCPH previously operated a different text line, called Go Ask TISH (Text for Information on Sexual Health), the Text4SexFacts line is a refreshed, rebranded service designed to offer important education and resources to Jeffco residents.
“We are excited to roll out Text4SexFacts to provide easily accessible, stigma-free and medically accurate information,” said Lindsay Milner, Public Health Nurse Lead at JCPH. “Our hope is that this improves knowledge in the community and has a positive impact on our STI and teen pregnancy rates in our county.”
The text line is available 24/7, but is actively monitored from Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and those utilizing the text line can expect a response within 24 hours.
While the text line cannot be used as a diagnostic service, and JCPH nurses cannot prescribe or recommend any specific medications or health directives via the text line, it can be an important tool to help refer individuals to the care they need. However, it’s important to note that Text4SexFacts is not a substitution for the individualized care of a healthcare provider. While the conversation with a nurse using the Text4SexFacts line is confidential, the text line is not secure, so JCPH asks all individuals submitting questions to not share any personally-identifying information.
Especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, statistics show people were seeking routine care less and less frequently for things like their sexual health. However, the rates of some STIs, like syphilis and gonorrhea, have increased in recent years in Jeffco, making it more important than ever for residents to take charge of and stay informed about their sexual health.
In addition to the Text4SexFacts line, the JCPH sexual health clinic provides comprehensive contraceptive services to all people. These services include birth control methods for both teens and adults, breast and cervical cancer screenings, STI evaluations and treatment, PrEP for HIV prevention, education, counseling and medical exams. In line with Colorado state law, teens can access sexual health services, including birth control, HPV vaccinations, hepatitis B vaccinations and STD testing and treatment, without parental permission or a parent being present.
Most services are provided on a sliding-fee scale, which means individuals are only charged based on their household income. Some patients qualify for services at no cost. We are also able to bill Medicaid and several private insurances. Our services are confidential and nonjudgmental, and no one is ever denied services due to inability to pay. Interpretation services are available for clients who are hearing impaired or speak another language. Appointments at the clinic are available by calling 303-239-7078.
To learn more about sexual health services at JCPH, including the new Text4SexFacts line, please visit our website.
About Jefferson County Public Health
Public health is what we do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit https://www.jeffco.us/public-health. You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH [external link], Instagram @JeffcoPH [external link] and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth [external link].