Health Department Offers Confidential, Reduced Rate STD Testing

By Stan Matthews
County Communications Program Manager

April is STD Awareness month and San Juan County Health Department is trying to raise public awareness about the impact of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) on the lives of people and the importance of discussing sexual health with their health care providers and partners.

One in four Americans has had an STD. Many people who are infected with STD’s are not aware of the illness as many of the symptoms are mild and not noticeable. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested.  Almost half of all STD’s occur in 15 to 24 year olds. Talk to your partner, health care provider, and kids. STD’s are preventable and treatable.

Throughout the month of April and May, San Juan County Health and Community Services are offering confidential HIV and Hepatitis C screening at a reduced cost and Hepatitis A/B vaccine for qualified adults.

Consider being tested if you had:

• A blood transfusion prior to 1992,
• Piercings or tattoos,
• Shared needles, cookers, cocaine straws (even in the distant past),
• Shared toothbrushes, nail clippers, razors with a positive partner,
• More than 2 sex partners in 6 months,
• A man having sex with men,
• Any past or present STD illness

For a confidential appointment call 378-4474.