April 2, 2019
For More Information Contact
Kathryn W. Goodman, Public Information Officer (434) 270-4802
(Charlottesville, Va.) – The Thomas Jefferson Health District’s (TJHD) Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department will offer free testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. starting on April 3, 2019.
In response to increasing rates of STIs, both nationally and locally, TJHD competed for and received funding to expand sexual health services to include “Test & Go” free STI testing eveni
ng hours on the first Wednesday of each month. Test & Go will provide free walk-in testing for commonly spread STIs, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C. People will also be able to get free safer sex items, like condoms, lube, and dental dams, and referrals to other sexual health services.
Test & Go testing will be offered on a walk-in basis and first come first served. For more information about Test & Go or to schedule a day-time appointment for an exam or treatment, people can call the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department at 434-972-6269.
2017 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that the United States is experiencing steep, sustained increases in STIs. From 2013 to 2017, the number of syphilis cases increased by 76% and the number of gonorrhea cases increased by 67%. Additionally, there was a 154% increase in congenital syphilis cases (when a mother passes syphilis to her baby during pregnancy).
For information about other clinic services, people can call their local health department or visit www.TJHD.org.