San Francisco celebrates 100 years of treating STDs

A recent article published in the San Francisco Chronicle acknowledged the 100-year anniversary of the date that the City Clinic began treating sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The newspaper explained that the facility, formerly named the Municipal Clinic of San Francisco, opened in the year 1911 to help local prostitutes who suffered from syphilis, which was referred to as "red plague."

"It's really remarkable that San Francisco was so progressive at the time to recognize the need for non-judgmental prevention services and treatment services," Susan Philip, director of STD prevention and control for the health department, told the news provider.

The news source reported that to commemorate the milestone, members of the clinic have launched the website 100yearsofsex.org, which will provide recommendations for the most popular sex toys and condoms, as well as STD references in movies. Philip said that the health organization strives to be open about sex in order to encourage people to practice safe behaviors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 13,000 new syphilis cases are reported annually in the U.S.