Sexual Health Healthy sexuality is about more than just sex. It’s about being who you truly are and loving who you want to love. It’s about having fulfilled, healthy relationships free from violence. It’s about celebrating life in all its uniqueness! And positive sexual health is essential to a person’s overall health and well being. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a great definition of sexual health. To access sexual health services, contact your nearest health clinic. Sexual Health clinical services For all questions related to sexual health services call 811. A nurse will answer questions and provide direction to the closest sexual health service. A person may also directly contact: A Sexual Health clinicA family physician’s officeA Nurse Practitioner if you are a high school student (most high schools)A Student Health Centre if you are attending university full-time How Horizon’s Sexual Health program works The Sexual Health program uses a population health-approach to empower groups, communities, and populations to make positive change in the health and sexual well being of individuals. Program staff work with other Public Health professionals, physicians, nurse practitioners, parents, students, community groups and other partners to develop programs and initiatives that are based on the needs, strengths, and priorities of the groups and communities we serve. We use the WHO framework as the “lens” to guide our practice. Use of the framework aims to support healthy sexuality for all ages and to promote sexual health services that are free of stigma and discrimination, regardless of a person’s sex, race, ethnic background, age, lifestyle, income, sexual orientation or gender expression. Program goals To promote the sexual health of New BrunswickersTo reduce the number of sexually transmitted and blood borne infectionsTo increase the number of healthy and planned pregnancies Our three strategies “Ask Me Anything” Parents, Step-Parents and Guardians are the Primary Educators The Sexual Health program supports parents, step-parents and guardians in their role as the primary sexual health educators of their children and youth. We are partnering with Horizon’s Research Services on a research project. The results will help us to understand the sexual health education practices and needs of New Brunswick parents, stepparents, and guardians. The results of this study will also be used to inform the development and/or adaptation of sexual health education resources to assist parents, stepparents and guardians in their role as primary sexuality educators. Open conversations between parents and guardians and their children and youth should begin early in the home so that children and youth understand the positive aspects of healthy sexuality and relationships. Youth need the tools to make informed decisions before engaging in sexual activity. Teachings should be age appropriate and should be a part of everyday conversation and learning. Parents and guardians can have the opportunity to connect with their children and youth to relate their values and demonstrate positive behaviours. Topics for discussion may include the proper naming of body parts, personal boundaries, gender and sexual diversity, consent, healthy relationships and safer sex, to name a few. Parent/Guardian Resources Enhancement of Horizon Staff Education We support the learning needs of Horizon staff. An e-learning module has been developed and the content consists of appropriate language and definitions; explanation of the law; and importance of providing inclusive, welcoming and safe health care to our trans (transgender) clients. The support and guidance of individuals in the trans community has made this learning invaluable. Enhancement of Youth Education Quality sexual health education for youth is a priority. An animated Safer Sex website will be made available to youth. This educational tool is youth inspired and reflects current issues young people of today face. Healthy sexuality and safer sex behaviours are promoted in a forum that youth will relate to. “Ask Me First” Social Emotional Learning Social and emotional learning is the process of learning about and managing one’s emotions, caring for others and making responsible decisions, even in challenging situations. This learning provides the foundation for developing healthy relationships. We support our early learning centers and schools in the promotion of this type of learning. Roots of Empathy Program Healthy Relationships Healthy relationships provide a feeling of safety, honesty, open communication, mutual respect, acceptance and enjoyment. A healthy relationship makes you feel good about yourself and the person you’re with. It is especially important to teach youth about healthy, versus unhealthy, relationships. Dating violence is very common in this age group. We support education programs that are based on the latest research, including: Fourth R Program The opposite of a healthy relationship is an unhealthy relationship. Unhealthy relationships often involve control, fear, and lack of respect. They may involve threats, name-calling, blaming, controlling behavior and violence. Violence in a relationship can be mental, emotional, physical, and sexual in nature. Intimate partner violence (violence in a romantic relationship) is never okay. If someone is experiencing violence in the relationship, it’s important to immediately tell someone who is trusted. If a person is in immediate danger call 911. Sexual Violence Prevention Sexual violence is about power and control. It violates a person’s human right to feeling safe and secure. Sexual violence is any harmful behavior perceived by the victim to be of a sexual nature which is unwanted and takes place without consent or understanding of the victim. Sexual violence can be prevented. Everyone in society has a part to play in this prevention and eventual elimination of sexual violence. The Sexual Health program team works with government and community partners in the areas of sexual violence awareness and prevention. Government of New Brunswick’s Now You Know program NB Sexual Violence Framework Collaborating with partners is also key in the creation and promotion of policies that challenge rape culture and gender-based violence by creating supportive, safe places in which to live, work and play. “It’s Ok to Ask” Safer Sex Promotion Promotion of testing The Sexual Health program advocates for the normalization or routine testing of sexually transmitted infections (STI) to promote the health of the population. Stigma and discrimination related to sexually transmitted infections is a Public Health concern and continued efforts are needed to break down the barriers to testing and care. Sexually transmitted infections A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that can be spread from one person to another through any type of sexual activity. Sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBI) are spread through all types of sex, through blood, and from mother to child. Prevention is key. Talking about safer sex with every partner, checking that vaccinations against Hepatitis B and HPV are up to date, and using condoms and/or oral dams for all types of sex are ways to reduce risk. STBBI Get tested Condom demonstration video Dental dam demonstration video Birth control Birth control is used to prevent pregnancy. There are several methods available in Canada. If a person is 19 years and younger and cannot afford birth control, the individual can call 811 and speak to a nurse about being eligible for free birth control. Emergency contraception There are two types of emergency contraception. The “Morning After Pill” can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex. The pill may be given for free at many high school sexual health clinics and community health centers and may also be purchased at a pharmacy as a prescription is not required. The most effective method of emergency contraception is a copper intrauterine device (IUD), which is inserted by a trained health provider within 7 days of unprotected sex. A prescription is required. The IUD can remain in the person’s body and be used as a form of birth control. Harm Reduction Harm reduction is a set of strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs. We support harm reduction initiatives in our communities that include needle exchange programs and safe needle disposal options. Fredericton and Miramichi Needle Exchange Programs Saint John Needle Exchange Program Moncton Needle Exchange Program For access to needle exchange services contact: An AIDS New Brunswick office at 1-800-561-4009 if you live in the Fredericton /Upper River Valley or Miramichi area An ENSEMBLE office at 506-859-9616 if you live in the Greater Moncton area An Avenue B Harm Reduction Inc. office at 506-652-2437 if you live in the Saint John and surrounding area Horizon locations offering this service: Fredericton Facility Name Address Phone Stanley Health Centre 69 Limekiln Rd., Stanley, New Brunswick, E6B 1E9 506-367-7730 Queens North Community Health Centre 1100 Pleasant Dr., Minto, New Brunswick, E4B 2V6 506-327-7800 Oromocto Community Health Centre 225 Mitchell St., Oromocto, New Brunswick, E2V 0H3 506-357-4922 Nackawic Health Centre 135 Otis Dr., Unit 201(Upper Floor, Nackawic Shopping Centre) , Nackawic, New Brunswick, E6G 1H1 506-575-6600 McAdam Health Centre 15 Saunders Rd., PO Box 311, McAdam, New Brunswick, E6J 1K9 506-784-6300 Harvey Health Centre 2019, Rte. 3, Harvey Station, New Brunswick, E6K 3E9 506-366-6400 Fredericton Northside Community Health Centre 435 Brookside Dr., PO Box 9000, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3A 8V4 506-447-4444 Fredericton Downtown Community Health Centre 339 King St., Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 1E4 506-452-5900 Chipman Health Centre 9 Civic Court, Chipman, New Brunswick, E4A 2H8 506-339-7650 Centre de santé Noreen-Richard Health Centre (Fredericton) 715 Priestman St., PO Box 9000, Fredericton, New Brunswick 506-474-4611 Central Miramichi Community Health Centre 11 Prospect St., Doaktown, New Brunswick, E9C 1C3 506-365-6100 Miramichi Facility Name Address Phone Rogersville Health Centre 9 rue Des Ormes, Rogersville, New Brunswick, E4Y 1S6 506-775-2030 Neguac Health Centre 38 Otho St., Neguac, New Brunswick, E9G 4H3 506-776-3876 Miramichi Health Centre 679 King George Hwy., Miramichi, New Brunswick, E1V 1N9 506-627-7511 Chatham Health Centre and Sexual Health Clinic Chatham Town Centre, 1780 Water St., Suite 300, Miramichi, New Brunswick, E1N 1B6 506-778-6107 Blackville Health Centre 2 Shaffer Lane, Blackville, New Brunswick, E9B 1P4 506-843-2910 Baie-Sainte-Anne Health Centre 13 Rue de l’Eglise, Baie-Sainte-Anne, New Brunswick, E9A 1A9 506-228-2004 Saint John Facility Name Address Phone Sussex Health Centre 75 Leonard Dr., Sussex, New Brunswick, E4E 2P7 506-432-3100 St. Joseph’s Community Health Centre 116 Coburg St., Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 3K1 506-632-5537 North End Wellness Centre (Saint John) 223 Victoria St., Saint John, New Brunswick, E2K 1L9 506-649-2704 Medisante Saint Jean Samuel-de-champlain Community School, 67 Ragged Point Rd., Saint John, New Brunswick, E2K 5C3 506-648-8020 Market Place Wellness Centre (Saint John) 120 Market Place, Located in Carleton Community Centre, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2M 0E1 506-674-4335 HOPE Wellness Centre (Saint John) 4347 Loch Lomond Rd., Saint John, New Brunswick, E2N 1C8 506-632-5695 Fundy Health Centre 34 Hospital St., PO Box 1298, Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick, E5H 1K2 506-456-4200 Deer Island Health Centre 999 Rte. 772, Fairhaven, New Brunswick, E5V 1P2 506-747-4150 Campobello Island Health Centre 640 Rte. 774, (On the Ground floor of Campobello Nursing Home), Welshpool, New Brunswick, E5E 1A5 506-752-4100 Upper River Valley Facility Name Address Phone Tobique Valley Community Health Centre 120 Main St., Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, E7G 2E5 506-356-6600 Hartland Health Centre 554 Main St., Unit 1, Hartland, New Brunswick, E7P 2N5 506-375-2700