SFSU's Human Sexuality Studies Program launched its groundbreaking National Sexuality Resource Center (NSRC) last week with keynote speaker former Surgeon General David Satcher (pictured right) praising the University's innovative effort to improve health conditions through education. "We now have the potential to bridge the gap in sexuality education between science and advocacy," Dr. Satcher told a packed gathering at the Center's office at 16th and Mission streets in San Francisco. "The NSRC will play a key role in providing the latest in scientific information on sexual health to the public, policymakers, researchers and others."

Dr. Satcher, who is now director of the National Advisory Council on Sexual Health & National Primary Care Center at Morehouse College of Medicine, called the NSRC an important advance in the work to promote sexual health and responsible sexual behavior.

The Center, funded by the Ford Foundation, is the latest effort in SFSU's pioneering human sexuality studies program. The University began its master's degree program in human sexuality studies in 2001, becoming the first program in advanced study of sexuality in the West.

In SFSU's newest effort, the NSRC will provide the latest accurate information on sexuality for the public, researchers, and advocates. Called the first-of-its-kind resource in the United States, NSRC has also launched a new Web site as the first step in its mission to replace myths and misinformation about sexuality with evidence-based research on sexual health, education and rights.

"We are breaking the silence on sexuality through the resources that the NSRC will provide," said Gilbert Herdt, director and co-founder of the NSRC. "We will be preparing the next generation of leaders on sexuality education for our communities."

NSRC will educate researchers, advocates and the public about sexuality issues such as aging baby boomers who will remain sexually active longer than any generation in history; the sexual rights of people living with disabilities, and immigrant populations unfamiliar with the sexual 'rules of the game' in American society.

The NSRC's work will include conducting original research on sexual health, education and rights; serving as a clearinghouse for research and policy; and publishing an on-lie peer-reviewed academic journal.

In speaking to the gathering, SFSU President Robert A. Corrigan praised the work of the center in helping fulfill the University's mission. "San Francisco State University is proud that this Center will be able to combine scholarly expertise with public outreach to effectively address important issues in our society. With the Center's opening, we are off to a fast and strong start."

For more information about the details of the opening of the NSRC, see the press release.

Also see the San Francisco Chronicle story "Birds and bees get scientific treatment on Net".