STDUniversity.org

STDUniversity.org is the first website to provide personalized STD test recommendations as developed by experts across the United States. The site also offers free, interactive STD education to a target audience of users aged 18-29.
Background
Sexually transmitted diseases are a major source of public health concern within the United States. Despite increased education and awareness, there are approximately 19 million new STD infections each year, and almost half of them can be attributed to the 15 to 24 year age group. The goal of STDUniversity.org is to provide easily accessible STD information to technically savvy Internet users (many of whom fall into the under-25 year old bracket) in order to encourage testing and improve that age group’s otherwise dire statistics.
Site Layout
STDUniversity.org is organized in a university format with rich media experiences for the 18-29 year old crowd. The site features various departments and events that can be accessed by the simple click of a mouse, all of which serve the purpose of promoting STD education in a laid back yet informative atmosphere. Users can visit the Biology department to learn about common STD symptoms and treatment options, and the university’s Health Center offers users the opportunity to receive personalized STD test recommendations in an interactive manner that emulates real life, professional pre-test counseling.
Expert-Based Test Recommendation Tool
The STDUniversity.org Health Center features an online, expert-based test recommendation tool that was developed by academic and medical experts to assess user risk based on individual inputs and national statistics. The test recommendation tool incorporates screening guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the United States Preventive Services Task Force. Users are asked to enter a series of inputs, including age, gender, symptoms, and sexual history, and based on the responses it receives, the tool generates a personalized list of test recommendations as applicable. Such recommendations might include testing for common STDs such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
Non-profit Status
As of March 2010, STDUniversity.org is in the process of actively seeking 501-c (3) status as a non-profit organization.
See Also
*STD Wizard

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