Sexual Health and Responsibility Program (SHARP)

SEXUAL HEALTH AND RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAM (SHARP)

Purpose
Promote and protect the sexual health of the Department of the Navy (DoN) population to support mission readiness and accomplishment, minimize avoidable health care costs and personnel losses, prevent morbidity and mortality, and support quality of life.

Sexual Health Definition
Sexual health is a state of well-being in relation to sexuality across the life span that involves physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions. Sexual health is an intrinsic element of human health and is based on a positive, equitable, and respectful approach to sexuality, relationships, and reproduction, that is free of coercion, fear, discrimination, stigma, shame, and violence. It includes: the ability to understand the benefits, risks, and responsibilities of sexual behavior; the prevention and care of disease and other adverse outcomes; and the possibility of fulfilling sexual relationships. Sexual health is impacted by socioeconomic and cultural contexts—including policies, practices, and services—that support healthy outcomes for individuals, families, and their communities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Health Resources and Services Administration Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STD Prevention and Treatment).

 

SHARP Vision
A DoN cultural norm in which physical and social sexual health are encouraged, supported and expected; and a DoN population in which all pregnancies are planned, and sexual violence, coercion and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, are prevented.

SHARP Motto
"Chart a Safe Course" affirms that each individual has the right and responsibility to make choices about their sexual health and behavior; and that sexual health decision-making is a lifelong and dynamic process because a person's circumstances and relationships may change over time.

SHARP Mission
Provide DoN members and families with health information, education and behavior change programs for the prevention of STIs, including HIV, and unplanned pregnancies; and collaborate with other Navy and Marine Corps stakeholders to advance sexual health policies and activities, and support healthy sexual behavior and relationships.

SHARP Goal
Reduce the occurrence of STIs, including HIV, and unplanned pregnancies among DoN members and families to levels specified in selected Healthy People 2020 Objectives.

Strategy and Objectives

• NMCPHC Approach to the Promotion of Sexual Health Among Sailors, Marines and Families
• SHARP Objectives (CaC Access only)

SHARP Program Description and Background

• MacDonald MR (2013). Sexual Health and Responsibility Program: Preventing HIV, STIs and Unplanned Pregnancy in the Navy and Marine Corps.Public Health Reports, 2013 Sup 1; Vol 128; Mar/Apr 2013. Assoc of Schools of Public Health

Training

• Sexual Health and Responsibility Program (SHARP) Training