ASHA establishes the Fourfold American Plan to address postwar conditions
In the early 1920’s, after World War I ended, ASHA was faced with many new challenges. In the absence of a national emergency and military discipline, hundreds of “red light districts” (prostitution districts) were now closed. Soon, ASHA developed a postwar program, which came to be known as the Fourfold American Plan. The plan consisted of four key areas, which defined ASHA’s organizational structure for nearly half a century.
- Medical Measures: Designed to combat Syphilis and Gonorrhea. Included advocating improved diagnostic treatment facilities, more frequent reliance on clinical and laboratory tests for Syphilis and continued medical research.
- Legal and Protective Measures: The repression of prostitution as an organized business included studies of vice conditions in various cities, advising local law enforcement, drafting and promoting effective state legislation.
- Educational Measures: Character building and sex education components. ASHA worked with the U.S. Bureau of education and U.S. Public Health Service to ensure sex education was being offered in public schools.
- Public Information: Literature production was a major part of ASHA’s work from the beginning. ASHA reached targeted audiences through such places as schools, doctor’s offices and waiting rooms.
