Know your status: Testing and Screenings Offered for HIV, Hepatitis C and Sexually Transmitted Infections

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas), in partnership with Walgreens, is hosting a “Get Yourself Tested” event offering no-cost screenings and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from 3-7 p.m., Friday, June 24, and 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday June 25, at Walgreens Pharmacy, 3030 1st Ave N., in St. Petersburg.

“It’s important for everyone to get tested and this a great way to learn about prevention, the importance of regular screenings and treatment of sexually transmitted infections that can have long-lasting health effects.” said Dr. Ulyee Choe, DOH-Pinellas’ director. “A person who knows their status can begin lifesaving treatment sooner and help stop the spread of these diseases.”

Staff will be available to distribute educational materials, discuss prevention and methods to reduce risk factors for STIs.

Nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections occur in the United States each year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half of all new STIs in the country occur among young men and women ages 15 to 24 but many don’t know they are infected.

Many STIs do not have any symptoms, so getting tested is the only way to know for certain. Some STIs are curable, but if you leave an STI untreated, it's easier to spread to others and there could be more serious health consequences down the road.

HIV testing will also be available 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday, June 27 at DOH-Pinellas in Clearwater (310 North Myrtle Avenue), Mid County (8751 Ulmerton Road, Largo), Pinellas Park (6350 76th Avenue North), St. Petersburg (205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N.) and Tarpon Springs (301 South Disston Avenue) in recognition of National HIV Testing Day.

For more information about the programs and services offered by DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com or call 727-624-6900.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.