1. School Health
  2. Human Development & Sexual Health
  3. Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections

What are Sexually Transmitted & Blood Borne Infections (STBBIs)?

STBBIs are infections that can pass from one person to another during sexual contact (e.g. oral, anal, and vaginal) or through exposure to infected blood or blood products (e.g. sharing needles, contaminated tools for tattoo/body piercing).

 Some examples of STBBIs are:

  • Chlamydia,
  • Gonorrhea,
  • Syphilis,
  • Hepatitis B and C
  • Genital Herpes
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Visit the WECHU Sexual Health page for more information on the most common STBBIs and how to be protected. 

Why is it important to learn about STBBIs?

Adolescence is an important time for students to learn and develop healthy intimate relationships. Engaging in sex at an early age is a risk for unprotected sex, having an unplanned pregnancy and getting an STBBI. Talking to children about sex and STBBI’s does not make it more likely that they’ll have sex.  But if they do become sexually active, they will understand the risks and know how to protect themselves.

The 2013-2014 Canadian Community Health Survey found 40.6% of males and 25% of females aged 15-19 years old in Windsor-Essex County reported ever having sex.  Chlamydia was the most reported STBBI in 2021 with 19% of the cases aged 10-19 years old, while 2% of gonorrhea cases and 2% of Hepatitis C cases were also aged 10-19 years old. 

What can schools, parents and students do to learn about STBBIs?

A healthy school is created when schools, parents and community partners work together to build school environments that promote and support student well-being.

Below you will find several informational and community resources for educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Educator resources are organized using the Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School framework.   

Resources & Information for:

Background Resources

Lessons and Activities

  • OPHEA
    Grades 1-12
    Resources to support educators in implementing sexual health education curriculum Offers a variety of lesson plans, classroom activities, and professional teaching supports. Also available in French. 
  • Teachingsexualhealth.ca
    Grades 4-9
    An Alberta-hosted website that offers sexual health information, lesson plans, tools, videos, and resources including Kahoot activities.  Lesson plans in French.
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (Toronto Public Health)
    Grades 7-12
    Interactive lesson plans that about sexually transmitted infections, diseases, and blood-borne illnesses (STBBIs), along with prevention and treatment for informed decision-making 
  • Jeopardy Game -WECHU
    Grades 7 and 8
    An interactive online game to support fun and learning around sexual health for grades 7-8, that has a supportive Facilitator’s Guide (French).

Healthy Schools Certification-OPHEA
Gives your school the tools to promote and enhance the health and well-being of students, school staff, and the broader school community. Contact your school nurse or send an email to csh@wechu.org to find out more about supporting your school in achieving a Healthy Schools Certification.

  • Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights offers several campaigns that promote sexual and reproductive health and rights such as Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week
  • World Aids Day (CATIE – Canadian HIV and hepatitis C information) 
    On December 1st create support on a wall/bulletin board to recognize World Aids Day.
  • Wellness Wall
    Help students to create a wellness wall listing local agencies available to support youth sexual health and wellness, and why this is important to their health. 
  • School Wellness Bulletin Board – Use your school bulletin board (physical or virtual) to post various health messages throughout the year.

Support in the Community

  • Windsor-Essex Youth Services Card (WECHU)
    Contact information related to sexual health, HIV and STI testing in Windsor-Essex County. Youth Wellness Hub Windsor-Essex
    For youth aged 12-25 offering walk-in mental health services, substance use and addiction services, access to a Nurse Practitioner for primary care, and community social services. Also offers recreational activities and peer support. Services are available in Windsor and Leamington locations.
  • weCHC – Teen Health
    Free and confidential primary care service and counselling for youth aged 12-24 years
  • Pozitive Pathways
    Provides client advocacy, support, harm reduction, health promotion and education services for people living with, affected by, or at-risk of HIV, Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted blood-borne infections (STBBIs) in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
  • Kids Help Phone 
    24/7 resource offering crisis support, mental health support, and counselling via text, messenger, or phone by calling 1-800-668-6868 or TEXT 686868. 

Support in the Community

  • Windsor-Essex Youth Services Card (WECHU)
    Contact information related to sexual health, HIV and STI testing in Windsor-Essex County.
  • Youth Wellness Hub Windsor-Essex
    For youth aged 12-25 offering walk-in mental health services, substance use and addiction services, access to a Nurse Practitioner for primary care, and community social services. Also offers recreational activities and peer support. Services are available in Windsor and Leamington locations.
  • weCHC – Teen Health
    Free and confidential primary care service and counselling for youth aged 12-24 years
  • Pozitive Pathways
    Provides client advocacy, support, harm reduction, health promotion and education services for people living with, affected by, or at-risk of HIV, Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted blood-borne infections (STBBIs) in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
  • Kids Help Phone 
    24/7 resource offering crisis support, mental health support, and counselling via text, messenger, or phone by calling 1-800-668-6868 or TEXT 686868. 

Additional Resources and Support

  • Sex Positive Parenting (Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights) 
    Describes sex-positive parenting as ‘teaching in an age and developmentally appropriate ways – that learning about bodies, relationships, and eventually, sexuality is a natural, normal, and healthy part of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.’ 
    Find resources to support sex-positive parenting, and access the Sexual Health Information Hub. 

  • Windsor-Essex Youth Services Card (WECHU)
    Contact information related to sexual health, HIV and STI testing in Windsor-Essex County.
  • Youth Wellness Hub Windsor-Essex
    For youth aged 12-25 offering walk-in mental health services, substance use and addiction services, access to a Nurse Practitioner for primary care, and community social services. Also offers recreational activities and peer support. Services are available in Windsor and Leamington locations.
  • weCHC – Teen Health
    Free and confidential primary care service and counselling for youth aged 12-24 years
  • Pozitive Pathways
    Provides client advocacy, support, harm reduction, health promotion and education services for people living with, affected by, or at-risk of HIV, Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted blood-borne infections (STBBIs) in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
  • Kids Help Phone 
    24/7 resource offering crisis support, mental health support, and counselling via text, messenger, or phone by calling 1-800-668-6868 or TEXT 686868. 

  • Every Body Curious
    YouTube series about sexuality and healthy relationships for youth, ages 9-12. Each episode is guided by two expert hosts leading the respectful and authentic dialogue on sexual health, and guiding participants through fun and thought-provoking activities about specific topics including: sex, love, healthy relationships, and consent.
  • Young People: All Things Sexuality (Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights)
    Information on puberty, protecting yourself, healthy relationships, disability and sexuality, media literacy, consent, and more.