BUTTE COUNTY, Calif.- The Butte County Public Health Department says STD rates in Butte County are on the rise.

The department says the rate of syphilis cases in Butte County is four times higher than the rest of the state.

Public Health Communications Manager, Lisa Almaguer, says that data shows the county also has high rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Almaguer says they are seeing an increase in STDs in many ages, but mostly women in their 20's and 30's.

Some Chico State students say they are being extra cautious.

Britany Lovio, a senior at the university says, "I get tested at the Student Health Center, there are other places like Planned Parenthood that also does free testing, it's important because you want to know if your body is healthy and you want everyone to be safe and to practice safe sex."

Due to the high rates, The Butte County Public Health Department has launched a campaign to raise awareness of sexually transmitted diseases.

The campaign focuses on the importance of regular STD testing.

The county also hopes to work with doctors to provide women at risk with information about where to go for testing and how to receive treatment.

Almaguer says testing is confidential, quick, simple and usually inexpensive.

With $75,000 available in grant funding, you can expect see wellness and prevention suggestions across billboards, bus stops and even at your doctor's office.

For more information about the campaign, CLICK HERE.