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In producing my recent special report on the Sexually Transmitted Disease epidemic in Douglas County there are two interviews that I strongly suggest you view.  We are always limited on time in the story we broadcast but our Web Channel allows an more comprehensive look at the issue.

Watch the interview I conducted with "Rita", a 23-year old who came down with an STD through a young man she thought she could trust.  Her interview underscores how difficult it is to reach young people with the warning about STDs.  It's the mindset about promiscuous sex that is hard to change.  Richard Brown, Ph.D, who is the CEO of the Charles Drew Health Center in Omaha tells me that the average number of sexual partners for someone receiving treatment for an STD at Charles Drew is three.

I also encourage you to watch at least part of Ted Plugge's presentation in a health class at Northwest High School.  The positive message is in stark contrast to the alternative message about sex that is prominent on cable channels like MTV and VH1. 

The STD rate is Omaha has improved somewhat since the epidemic was declared four years ago but as both Douglas County Health Director Adi Pour and Richard Brown say, it is "unacceptable" for our community.  Director Pour says she hopes to tell me two years from now that the STD rate in Douglas County has greatly improved.  We will monitor the progress.