The Berrien County Health Department announced on April 6 that it is promoting its prevention services during STI Awareness Month, focusing on the Taking Pride in Prevention (TPIP) program and its Sexual Health Clinic.
The initiative aims to educate young people and parents about healthy relationships and sexual health, seeking to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. The TPIP program is a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services effort administered locally by BCHD.
“Parents and caregivers play the most important role in guiding children through adolescence,” said Miranda Bronicki-Dopp, BCHD’s family health program manager. “Through TPIP, we’re here to partner with parents and help them feel confident leading ‘the talk’ about sexual health and prevention.”
TPIP offers medically accurate education for youth ages 12-19, covering topics such as abstinence, contraception, STI transmission, HIV prevention, consent, decision-making, personal responsibility, and communication within families. The program also provides interactive workshops for parents and caregivers. Those interested in local TPIP programming can contact BCHD via email.
BCHD’s Sexual Health Clinic delivers confidential care both in person and through telehealth. Services include immunizations (such as for human papillomavirus), STI testing and treatment, rapid HIV testing with counseling, expedited partner therapy to prevent further infection spread, same-day or walk-in appointments at reduced costs compared with other providers. Most insurance plans are accepted.
“While we’re encouraged to see STI case numbers trending downward in Berrien County, our focus remains on prevention,” said Dionne Rigozzi, BCHD clinical and community health services supervisor. “Through programs like TPIP and our Sexual Health Clinic, we want to ensure community members have the education, testing and support they need to stay healthy.”
Sexual Health Clinic appointments are available at the Benton Harbor office Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Niles office Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., with walk-in hours Wednesday afternoons at both locations. Telehealth options are also available throughout the week.
