ASHA changes its name to the American Social Health Association
The 1950’s had marked the end of an era for ASHA and it was time to move on. And, move on ASHA did, starting with a new name to
reflect its expanded vision. In 1960, ASHA changed its name from the American Social Hygiene Association to the American Social
Health Association.
The Fourfold American
Plan consisting of medical, legal, educational and public information had remained largely intact for the first half of the century. The
steady efforts derived from longevity of leadership within ASHA (such as Phillip R. Maher, who served on ASHA’s board from 1930-1960,
including eleven years as ASHA’s president). However, social and cultural changes called for new approaches and by the mid 70’s,
STD rates were soaring and ASHA was struggling to figure out how to apply its limited financial resources to growing problems. In addition
to the sexual revolution, gay liberation, women on birth control, international travel, increasing drug use and a new demographic entity
called teenagers, scientists were recognizing more and more sexually transmitted diseases, but now there were viruses, not bacterial and
not curable. These were STDs you contracted for life. In 1970, genital herpes became a major topic, followed by HPV, Hepatitis and HIV in the 1980s.
