Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Sacramento County, in which Mather is located, has reported a rising rate of sexually transmitted diseases in recent years. HIV infections in particular have increased.
Mather is a small community located outside of Sacramento, Ca., with a reported population of 4,451 in 2010. Once home to Mather Air Force Base Mather AFB), which was closed in 1993, it has a small town feel.
Even though it is small, Mather currently is experiencing a growing number of sexually transmitted diseases, part of a larger trend within the county.
Doctors said people are not as worried about STD infections as they were in previous decades and may not be as vigilant in employing safe sex practices.
Sacramento County has the sixth highest rate of chlamydia, the eighth highest rate of gonorrhea; and the tenth highest rate of syphilis in the state, according to data published in 2017.
A state report from 2017 showed STD rates in Sacramento County rising on par with the rest of the state. Officials blame dating apps and “casual hookups” for the trend.
STD testing services may be offered at the Roseville Planned Parenthood, 729 Sunrise Ave. Suite 900, about 15 miles from Mather. Free std testing may be offered at free clinics in the nearby city of Sacramento, although a disadvantage to using a free clinic is longer wait times. STD testing may also be performed in a doctor’s office but it may not be covered by insurance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2Â provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.Â
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.Â
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.Â
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.Â
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Order a home-test kit onlineThe test takes just 5 minutes and then mail in your sampleReceive your lab results in 2 to 5 daysFDA approved technologyEnjoy free shipping
The Sacramento LGBT Community Center was incorporated into the community in 1978. Currently, this center is Sacramento’s oldest non-profit, tax-deductible charity that provides services for those in the LGBTQ+ community. Presently, this center focuses on youth outreach, especially homeless youth who identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Finally, the center not only focuses on youth outreach and HIV and Hepatitis C testing, but also mental health, housing, and transgender individuals.
Golden Rule Services was founded by Clarmundo Sullivan on January 2000. Their mission is to help all people but especially people of color with health, education, employment, and criminal justice problems and resources so they can improve all aspects of their life. They offer services like HIV/AIDS education and prevention classes, harm reduction sessions, HIV/STD risk-reduction support groups, case management services, counseling, transportation services to medical appointments, and much more!
The Sacramento Life Center is a fully licensed community medical clinic. They were founded in 1972. This center was the fourth pregnancy medical clinic to be established across the United States. The Sacramento Life Center is passionate about offering their free and low-cost services to young women who need pregnancy-related services and all other sexual health services. Some services they offer include free urine pregnancy testing and free limited ultrasounds.
The Sacramento Native American Health Center is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center. This center is patient-centered with cultural values for American Indian and Alaska Native. Their highly trained clinicians offer services like adult medicine, pediatrics, mental health services, laboratory services, dental care, substance abuse services, and much more.
The Capitol Plaza Health Center is operated by the Planned Parenthood Mar Monte. This Planned Parenthood provides medical and educational services to more than 220,000 people every year. The Planned Parenthood Mar Monte operates more than 30 health center locations throughout mid-California and northern Nevada. Staff at the Capitol Plaza Health Center provides presentations and individual outreach activities to community members and teen support groups that target 11-14 years old.
The Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services provides public health services to kids and adults. They believe through proper leadership, collaboration, prevention, and response they will live out their mission to protect and promote the health and safety of all residents in Sacramento County. The Department of Health Services has five programs that it focuses on and these include correctional health services, emergency medical service, pharmacy services & support, Sacramento county health center, and WIC.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: Need to register as a patient. Closed 12noon-1pm for lunch
Description: Must be a Kaiser Permanente patient. Kaiser Permanente provides PrEP services at clinics throughout California. Kaiser Permanente recommends that members speak to their primary care provider in order to locate the most convenient PrEP clinic. Offers navigation services. Above hours for HIV services. Closed daily from 12:30pm-1:30pm
Description: Social Service Organization.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: One Community Health is a private, nonprofit community health center serving the greater Sacramento area. The team uses a medical home model of care, including preventive care, routine checkups, immunizations and management of acute and chronic illnesses. Walk-ins welcome. Please visit website for more detailed hours of operation per department
Description: Immediate Care hours: Mon.-Sun., 8am-8pm. Walk-ins welcome to immediate care
Description: Need to register as a patient in order to receive services.
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Must meet county guidelines for free services. Free condoms available. Please call for testing hours. Services are provided regardless of ability to pay
Description: Community Based Organization. Everything is free for everyone. The Free Saturday Clinic is conducted at 3647 40th St, Sacramento, CA 95817 and starts at 12pm. Free condoms available. Please arrive by 4pm for HIV/HCV testing
Description: Need to register as a patient. Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Community Based Organization. GRS only provides free HIV testing to those at highest risk for HIV infection. There is is $10 fee for gonorrhea and chlamydia screening. Must present a valid I.D. Free condoms available.
Description: Closed 12noon-1pm for lunch
Description: Safeway Pharmacy.
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Fees for services are based on your household income.
It is hard to ignore the fact that STD rates are rising in the neighborhood and surrounding Sacramento County, especially when the recent statistics made headlines in area newspapers.
Over the last two decades the county and state have watched the STD rates climb at an alarming rate. While HIV/AIDs incidents have been decreasing, after reaching all-time highs in the 1980’s and 90’s, percentages for the other commonly transmitted sexual diseases are on the rise. This includes Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis.
Even though the county has always had a problem with Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, the recent increase in primary and secondary Syphilis incidents is new. What is even more surprising is that this sexually transmitted disease is occurring in men over the age of 24. While the majority of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Herpes cases occur in teens and young adults, the Syphilis virus seems to be affect older men more often. This only emphasis what health officials have been stressing about the importance of being tested regularly for STDs regardless of your age.
Overall young women still have the greatest risk for contracting Chlamydia, while Gonorrhea incidents occur more frequently in men. African Americans are twice as likely to contract a STD as other ethnicities, and this includes Syphilis and HIV/AIDS. Some of the other statistics that are making the news include,
The Sacramento LGBT Community Center has no qualifications for anyone to partake in their sexually transmitted disease testing.
The Sacramento LGBT Community Center offers PrEP navigation, partner services, sexual health education, HIV support, and advocacy all within a clean environment with polite and sweet personnel. The programs and services provided by the center let individuals and entire families thrive when things may seem frightening.
1927 L St, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
People that wish to be tested for chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea, or hepatitis c will need to present a valid I.D. at their first visit.
Golden Rule Services offers the community many different materials, resources, and programs to learn more. They realize in order to stop the spread of HIV infections, AIDS-related deaths, and stigma & discrimination against people living with HIV it takes an entire team of people to work together to solve each problem.
4433 Florin Rd #860, Sacramento, CA 95823, USA
The Sacramento Life Center doesn’t have any pre-requirements before being tested for sexually transmitted disease testing.
The Sacramento Life Center embraces women who are pregnant and want to help them get the services they need so that’s why they offer a safe place for women and men who are faced with an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. Visitors of this clinic should have a positive experience because they’re accommodating, helpful, friendly, and are on-time for their appointments.
2316 Bell Executive Ln, Sacramento, CA 95825, USA
Services are only available for those who are Native American. Please bring proof of your background to your first visit.
This health center works with many different departments, programs, administrators, and agencies so patients have the best care from all aspects. This center offers preventative counseling in addition to other treatment for acute and chronic illnesses. Visitors will find the perfect blend of western medicine and spiritual healing. Each staff member is professional and respectful to all present and future patients.
2020 J St, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA
The Capitol Plaza Center doesn’t have any qualifications before a person can be tested for sexually transmitted disease testing.
Visitors of the Capitol Plaza Health Center may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale depending on their household income. If you would like to take advantage of these services, please bring proof with you to your first visit. Visitors of this health center will appreciate having a judgment-free zone to freely discuss sexual health conditions and concerns that may arise.
1125 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
Visitors must be a resident of Sacramento County in order to receive sexually transmitted disease screening by the Sacramento County Health Center.
For patients getting chronic disease management or screening will be happy to know the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services has many wonderful partnerships within the region. Some partnerships include UC Davis Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, UC Davis School of Medicine and Nursing. The Sacramento County Health Center provides primary, behavioral health, and public health services for everyone in your family. Their attentive and courteous staff are available via the phone and in-person to discuss any concerns you may have.
7001a East Pkwy #600A, Sacramento, CA 95823, USA
Beginning in January of 2016 the state made it mandatory for all public schools to include sexual education programs in the curriculum. This was done in answer to the growing number of teens and young adults that were testing positive for STDs.
Studies and research has shown that when teens have the information they need regarding sexually transmitted diseases and how the viruses are spread, they are less likely to put themselves at risk. While abstinence is still encouraged the new programs also discuss contraceptives, sexual preferences, and even how to handle violence in a relationship.
The main reason the sexual education bill was passed was due to the high STD rates. With more teens testing positive for at least one STD each year, law makers knew that something needed to be done. Now students are getting the education they need to protect themselves from all sexually transmitted diseases.
Not only are they learning how STDs are spread, but the classes are include information on why it is so important to be tested regularly. This includes regular Herpes testing in Mather, especially for students and teachers in the public schools were the virus can most often be found. Regular HIV testing in Mather is also discussed, along with how this is currently the only proven method of detecting the disease.
Mather is a small community which means is demographic makeup is not as diverse as some other cities. This has not helped to lower the area’s STD rates, even with its smaller population.
One reason that residents find themselves dealing with high STD percentages is that the area is becoming a transportation hub. The Sacramento Mather Airport is located nearby, and it is not uncommon for travelers to stop and spend the night in the city.
While this is good for the local economy, it can present a potential health risk. Many overnight visitors have never been tested for any of the sexually transmitted diseases, and some are already infected and don’t even realize it. Migrant workers also travel through the area and are contributing to the problem.
While the public schools do have sexual education classes and students are learning about how important it is for them to take care of their health, there is a shortage of places for them to go. Like many other cities, this community also lost much of its funding for health care. This means that there is a shortage of qualified personnel, along with facilities that can test and treat residents. The few clinics that are still in business are often short staffed, and it is not uncommon for people to be turned away due to long lines. With no place to go many residents simply give up and stop worrying about their sexual health. If this continues the percentage of residents that contract a sexually transmitted infection will keep rising, even with the new education classes.
This small community is a great place to live and raise a family, but it is also experiencing problems with sexually transmitted diseases. This can be resolved, but only if residents begin to take care of their sexual health. If you don’t want to spend your entire day at one of the overcrowded clinics, you can schedule confidential STD testing and only spend a few minutes at a lab. It is a fast and easy way to take care of your sexual health and ensure that this neighborhood remains a great place to live.
Reference:
http://www.sfgate.com/education/article/Governor-signs-bill-mandating-sex-ed-in-schools-6551585.php
Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts.
