http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/health/stories/wal-mart-an... This year's economic downturn has led to the worst syphilis outbreak in decades, according to an MSNBC report. The problem has gotten so bad in Forsyth County, North Carolina, that health officials have actually turned toward bribing people with free Wal-Mart and McDonald's gift cards in exchange for getting tested for the disease - with alarming success.
It has long been recognized that the venereal disease's outbreaks tend to coincide with periods of economic unrest. But why? Experts speculate that as times get tough, people are more likely to turn toward risky behavior and sexual promiscuity as a way to cope.
Though of course, people are also more likely to look for bargain deals and cheap food. That connection gave health workers an unconventional idea: Why not give out free $10 Wal-Mart gift cards to anyone who will get tested for syphilis and HIV?
Since the program has been initiated, the Forsyth County Department of Public Health has estimated that about half of the 603 people tested during the campaign were motivated by the Wal-Mart cards. In another campaign run by an STD awareness program called Get Real, Get Tested, also in North Carolina, gift cards for McDonald's were successfully used.
/snip
I'm conflicted over whether I'm embarrassed to be from NC or that they've found something that works.
What next if you agree to go into rehab they give you a lifetime supply of pork rinds?
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WOOT!!
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So wait, just to be clear, I don't really have to HAVE syphilis, just get tested?
