Sexual health staff spin the wheel at Mardi Gras

Health messages were loud and clear at the biggest and most colourful event of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras opening weekend.

Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre (WSSHC) HIV and Related Programs (HARP) team joined forces with Nepean Blue Mountains LHD and South Western Sydney LHD to hold a health promotion stall at Mardi Gras Fair Day 2020.

Fair Day is a full day of entertainment and picnicking in the sun when a melting pot of 80,000 smiling faces gather together to celebrate not only the beginning of Mardi Gras, but also the power and beauty of diversity.

The WSSHC health promotion stall was aimed at men who have sex with men, who are a priority population for sexual health and HIV.

Punters from the Western Sydney area snapped up the ‘Know Your Local’ resource designed by WSLHD health promotion officer Kevin Dong, and many took a spin on the roulette wheel to engage in health promotion and grab a piece of fruit or frisbee.

‘Know Your Local’ is a resource that aims to increase awareness and knowledge of sexual health and services, encouraging HIV and STI testing at sexual health clinics within Greater Western Sydney by providing simple contact and referral information.

It includes relevant information on condoms, testing, HIV treatments including PEP and PrEP, and tips on how to use dating apps to ensure health and well-being for all users.

For more info or to get some free copies of the ‘Know Your Local’ resource, please contact Kevin on Kevin.Dong@health.nsw.gov.au or 9843 3134.