SexInfo-- Only A Text Message Away!

Do you know what to do when a condom breaks? If you need advice, just send a text message to the San Francisco Department of Public Health, and you'll receive this response: "u may b at risk 4 STDs+HIV women can also be prEgnant SouthEast Keith@Armstrong 671-7000 M-F8-5, W8-12. City Clinic 356 7th St 487-5500 MWF 8-4 TuTh 1-4." Messages from the new program, SexInfo, run the gamut from advice for young women who suspect they're pregnant ( "it's ur choice what 2 do testing+morningafterpill up to 5 days aftr sex") to resources for coping with sexual abuse (no matter if it's ur b-friend g-friend uncle neighbor, u don't deserve 2B hurt or touched how u don't want).

SexInfo is part of a larger trend promoting the use of technology by educators and public health professionals to provide sex education to teenagers. A report by Nielsen found that 35% of children ages eight to 12 own cell phones and that 20% use text messaging. What an amazing program! Real questions, real answers, private and secure---way to go San Francisco!