Let’s Talk About HIV: Combating Misinformation with the Vibe Check Tour

Let's talk about HIV, let's talk about you and me, let's talk about all the good things and the bad things consent can be, Let's talk about sex!

Paying homage to the iconic 90s hit, we’re remixing the conversation to focus on the realities of HIV and STI prevention. The truth is, open and honest dialogue is the key to breaking down stigma and empowering our communities to make informed choices.

Earlier this week, Dr. Quinyatta Mumford, CEO of Village Public Health, came across a viral social media post that overemphasized the spread of herpes. The post had been shared over 700 times, spreading fear rather than facts. As a public health professional and a dedicated advocate for youth wellness, she knew this was an opportunity to set the record straight. Misinformation is rampant, and it's up to us to provide accurate, accessible information to combat myths and ensure young people and their families are equipped with the tools they need to stay safe.

Understanding STI Prevention: Separating Fact from Fiction

Misinformation surrounding STIs can lead to harmful consequences, including stigma, delayed testing, and increased health risks. Some common myths include:

Myth: "Only people with multiple partners are at risk."

Fact: Anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI, regardless of the number of partners.

Myth: "You’ll always know if you have an STI."

Fact: Many STIs have no symptoms, making regular testing essential.

Myth: "STIs aren’t a big deal—they go away on their own."

Fact: Untreated STIs can lead to serious health complications, including infertility and increased risk of other infections.

Practical Tools for STI Prevention and Safety

Dr. Mumford encourages parents to take an active role in their children’s sexual health education by providing practical, fact-based advice. Here are some actionable steps to stay informed and safe:

Encourage Open Communication: Create a judgment-free environment where your children feel comfortable discussing sexual health topics.

Promote Regular Testing: Regular check-ups and STI screenings should be a normal part of health maintenance, just like dental visits.

Use Reliable Sources: Seek information from trusted health organizations such as the CDC, Planned Parenthood, and local health departments.

Emphasize Protection: Educate your children about the importance of using condoms and other protective measures consistently and correctly.

Lead by Example: Show your commitment to health by prioritizing wellness check-ups and advocating for preventive care.

Join the Vibe Check Tour!

To combat misinformation and provide communities with the facts they need, Village Public Health is launching the Vibe Check Tour—a statewide initiative aimed at educating youth and families about sexual health in a fun, engaging, and informative way.

Through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and community outreach, the Vibe Check Tour will:

Provide evidence-based information on sexual health and STI prevention.
Foster meaningful conversations between parents and youth.
Dispel myths and promote positive health behaviors.

Join us on this journey to empower and inform! For more information on upcoming tour dates and locations, visit our website villagepublichealth.org or contact us at 501-229-9220.

At Village Public Health, we believe informed families create healthier communities. Let’s talk about HIV, tackle misinformation, and ensure everyone has the knowledge they need to make safe and healthy choices!

Dr. Quinyatta Mumford

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