June 2021 | STI Testing
Know Your Status | Free STI Testing in June 2022
Please call us to schedule your appointment: 208-327-7400
Appointments Available:
- Mountain Home: Wednesday, June 1 & Wednesday, June 15
- In McCall: Tuesday, June 28
- In Boise: Weekdays in June
WHAT
During the month of June 2022, Central District Health (CDH) is encouraging people to know their sexual health status by getting tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), sometimes called Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Between June 1 and June 30, CDH will offer free STI testing by appointment at its three clinics. In Boise, appointments will be available weekdays throughout the month of June; in Mountain Home, appointments are available Wednesday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 15, and in McCall, appointments are available on Tuesday, June 28.
For those who are insured, CDH will bill your insurance, and will not charge you for any amount your insurance may not cover.
WHY SHOULD I GET TESTED?
If you are sexually active, getting tested for STIs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once in their life. Additional and potentially regular testing may be recommended based on specific behaviors that can increase a person’s risk.
In 2020, 3,115 STI infections were reported within CDH’s jurisdiction, with preliminary data showing 3,018 STI's in 2021. While chlamydia and gonorrhea infections are seen most often in 15-29 year-olds, early syphilis and HIV infections affect a wider age range in Idaho. So far in 2022, our area is seeing a rapid rise in syphilis cases, especially among women. Early testing and treatment can help curb the spread of syphilis.
Some sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea often do not have obvious symptoms and someone can easily spread the infection, and potentially experience lasting effects, like infertility, from an untreated infection. CDH encourages people who are having sex or considering it to take charge and ‘know now’ by getting tested. Most STIs are treatable, or effective infection management exists.
Read more on the CDC's recommendations for STI and HIV screening, HERE.
HOW
Free STI testing will include a visit with a CDH clinician, testing for STIs, which may include HIV, Hepatitis C (screening), gonorrhea and syphilis. Treatment, as appropriate, will be provided free of charge and referrals made for any necessary longer-term treatment.
Note: For those who are insured, CDH will bill your insurance, and will not charge you for any amount your insurance may not cover.
Visits outside of STI testing will be billed on a sliding fee scale according to ability to pay. All visits are confidential.
Free STI testing can be added on to any regularly scheduled appointment with CDH during the month of June 2022.
Appointments are required | 208-327-7400
RESOURCES