National Efforts to Advance Sexual Health Using a Public Health Approach In the U.S

Regaining momentum initiated by the 2001 Surgeon General’s Call to Action on Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual Behavior, CDC is developing approaches to improve population health by enhancing traditional disease control and prevention efforts with a health promotion component that more comprehensively addresses broader issues of sexual health. Such a health-focused framework has potential for providing less-stigmatizing messages that may be more effective at reaching the public and providers, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of services, and facilitating societal dialogue around sexuality. The rationale for and history of CDC efforts are described as well as specific activities being undertaken across CDC.