Teenage std prevention

Dear Editor:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced this week that more than one in four teenage girls in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted disease. HPV, which is a virus associated with cervical cancer, was the most common STD infecting more than 18 percent of our young women and putting them at an increased risk of cancer.
There is a safe and simple vaccine that can prevent the most common strains of HPV. Thanks to a grant from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City and the REACH Healthcare Foundation, women ages nine to 26 can receive this vaccine for free at 33 clinics and health departments throughout the metro area. Those interested can call United Way 211 at 816-474-5112 or visit www.mohpv.org to find a location near you.
As a doctor, as a woman and, most importantly, as a mother, I encourage all parents and young women to learn more about this life-saving vaccine.


Dr. Bridget McCandlessJackson County Free Health Clinic