On February 12th, a crowd of experts assembled at the Gene Siskel Theater in Chicago to talk about a popular topic - sex - and a not so popular topic, the rise of STDs. The event marked the launch of an online confidential clinic, www.getstdtested.com, that intends to educate millennials in a powerful high-tech way with the messages: “Get tested. Know the truth.” 

Accompanying the online launch was the debut of O Mission, the first short film to reach this specific generation and to address STDs. O Mission features a 20- and 30-year old sexually alive cast that navigates the hook-ups, break-ups, make-ups, and mash-ups in one hot night in the cold city. The film acknowledges the reality of this generation’s sex lives and through its characters, the implications on their social health. Everybody wants it. Some lie to get it. Some lies hurt. Some lies are just little omissions.

The launch of the online clinic, conversational forum and short film are intended to de-stigmatize STDs, to change awareness by young adults and to encourage them to have the conversation with their partners. Many STDs do not present symptoms and could therefore happen to anyone who is sexually active. Many are also treatable, once known.

Hear the facts, and many opinions, from a discussion with health experts from across the U.S. who agree that this issue needs to hit closer to home and in new, tech savvy ways. Visit www.GetSTDTested.com or call 866-749-6269 for additional information.

Click here to watch a 5 minute video shot at the event.

Recorded Thursday, February 12, 2009 at Gene Siskel Film Center.