Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
STD transmission rates in Richmond, CA continue to surge even with the continued awareness efforts. In Contra Costa County, within which Richmond, CA lies, many cases of chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea, and HIV are reported.
A report by Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) indicated that between 2005-2007, the county recorded 9,323 cases of chlamydia, 2,603 cases of gonorrhea, and 58 cases of syphilis – most of which occurred among men.
The rise in numbers of STD infections is owed to improved e-reporting of new infections, continued drug abuse involving usage of sharp tools, as well as shifts in behavioral patterns.
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), STD prevalence rates are high in men than in women. Chlamydia cases, however, were twice as high among women than men.
The CCHS has put in place measures to curb the increased rates of STD transmissions. That includes effective community engagement strategies and partnerships with other health organizations to establish medical facilities for STD transmission control. These efforts are garnered to promote personal health and community welfare.
There are also private clinics and university health centers where you may be offered free STD testing for the common STDs. Other tests on certain STDs are provided at a low cost to uninsured clients. However, with such services, you may be limited to a single payment option.
Trained and licensed healthcare professionals conduct counseling and testing procedures. Profit-making clinics may accept insurance for testing and treatments. Remember to have schedule an appointment first and have your insurance details.
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 California Prostitutes Education Project was founded in 1984 as one of the first HIV education, prevention, and outreach organizations within the United States. They focus on outreach and education services to reach high-risk African American’s, Latino’s, youth, and adults who are living or know someone living with HIV. Their clients are 20% street prostitutes, which are women, men, and transgender people. Their staff includes 20 people and some of these people are former prostitutes, drug users, homeless persons, schoolteachers, counselors, and much more.
The founders of the East Bay Community Recovery Project includes Joan Zweben and Marta Rose who are very involved in the work this community-based organization does. EBCRP was founded in 1989 as the cocaine epidemic they were experiencing had hurt a lot of people and their families in Oakland. They saw EBCRP as a way out, to provide the best care and treatment for individuals with mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and those living with HIV or hepatitis.
The San Rafael Campus Medical Clinic is owned and operated by Marin Community Clinics. The message of these clinics is they’re a family helping other families so each community resident is served with the care that is focused entirely on them. Marin Community Clinics has been providing uninsured, low-income, and other members of Marin County for almost 45 years. Throughout the nine clinics they operate, they help almost 36,000 individuals.
LifeLong Medical Care operates the West Berkeley Health Center. LifeLong is a federally qualified community health center that serves almost 70,000 patients on a yearly basis throughout the counties of West Contra Costa, Alameda, and Marin. Their clinics provide primary health care, pediatric care, geriatric care, case management, chronic disease and HIV/AIDS treatment, multi-disciplined care coordination, and much more. The West Berkeley Health Center sees people of all ages.
The El Cerrito Health Center is operated by the Planned Parenthood of Northern California. Planned Parenthood Northern California started its services in 1929 when their Maternal Health Center on Oak Street in San Francisco was founded. Another unique aspect of this regional part of Planned Parenthood is PPNC introduced sexual education for teenagers in 1967 through the nation’s first program like this in 1967. This program was also launched in San Francisco.
The health center located at this address is called the Ann Chandler Public Health Center. It is operated by the City of Berkeley Public Health Division. This public health division employees, nurses, community health outreach workers, doctors, health educators, health policy specialists, and many more health professionals so the entire city of Berkeley has access to educated and trained health professionals to treat them, their partner, and/or children.
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: Community Based Organization. This is an online service; open 24/7. You can request an at home test kit at any time
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. HIV and STD testing also provided through the Women's Health program.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed daily for lunch from 11:45am-12:45pm. Contra Costa offers Mobile HIV Counseling and Testing Services. Please call for days, hours and locations: 1-800-287-0200
Description: Community Based Organization. Online form to request self-testing kits is open 24 hours a day
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: 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. The center is closed once a month on a Friday morning for Staff Meetings but reopens at 1pm on this day, check the appointment scheduler to ensure they are open
Description: open in the evenings on Mon.-Wed., 5:30pm-7pm
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. The Health Center is open 2 Saturdays a month (typically 2nd and 4th); please check the online appointment schedule to verify if open
Description: No appointment necessary for PrEP consultation, simply call or text 415-314-9987. Closed from 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Description: Safeway Pharmacy.
Description: Community Based Organization, The Berkeley Free Clinic provides STI testing, pregnancy tests, and other gynecological services for non-cisgender males (women, trans*, and other gender non-conforming persons). Free condoms available. Call or visit website for information on hours for specific services
Description: No appointment necessary for a PrEP consultation, simply call 415-314-9987. Closed daily from 11:45am-12:45pm
Every major metropolitan area has its weakness. In Richmond, the rising STD rates are among the top areas of concern. Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Herpes and Gonorrhea cases are being reported. STD clinics offer confidential and private testing and free testing centers are available for people with low income status. STD testing is easy to private and easy to order. After your order is placed, you’ll just need to finish up with a visit to a nearby testing lab. This usually takes about fifteen to twenty minutes or less to complete. You’re information is kept private so there is no need to worry about confidentiality breaches.
Every time a person is tested for an STD, local providers forward some of the demographic information to the health department. There is no need to worry about your privacy because no information that could be used to identify you is shared. The health department just wants general information that they can use to monitor the health of the area and generate annual reports that reflect STD rates. This is done for many different health concerns among the population including cancer rates, cardiac issues, live births, deaths and other data that falls under the classification of vital statistics.
The following table shows the results for this region based upon positive results per 100,000 in population.
The rates for this region of the country fall within the top 22 or higher for all three of these sexually transmitted diseases. This causes great concern for local health departments as well as for the Center for Disease Control. The problem is obvious and steps must be taken to slow down the spread in this area. Chlamydia rates are double for women when compared to those of men. Gonorrhea and Syphilis are slightly higher in male populations than for females. Men who participate in male to male sex have the highest incidences of HIV, Syphilis and combination diagnoses with multiple STDs. Blacks have the highest rates for all STDs with regard to ethnicity statistics. They are followed by Alaskan Natives/American Indians, Hispanics, Whites, Asians and unknown ethnic status. The reason that this data is important is that it helps to identify which specific groups of persons are at the highest risk so educational campaigns can help to target them for education and health based assistance programs.
Their free rapid HIV testing and hepatitis c testing services are available to the public. There are no qualifications in place in order to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
The California Prostitutes Education Project not only provides HIV and hepatitis C testing but they also offer substance abuse prevention and treatment, youth services, counseling services, case management, and much more. They offer events like house parties and outdoor grilling to further connect the community through fun events. This can help build confidence, self-esteem, friendships, and connection to those with HIV and/or hepatitis C.
2811 Adeline St, Oakland, CA 94608, USA
Their hepatitis c and HIV services are open to the public. There are no qualifications that the leadership of this health project has been put in place.
This health facility is owned by Joan E. Zweben, Ph.D. who is a clinical psychologist and Marta Rose who is the Associate Executive Director. They have been working together for more than 20 years. Patients coming to this facility will find their teamwork to be an asset to those seeking treatment and support programs for whatever reason or reasons bringing them to this health care center. Patients will never feel alone, confused, or scared along their own unique path to recovery.
2577 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
At the San Rafael Campus Medical Clinic, there are no qualifications in place for anyone to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, testing may be free for you if you’re eligible based on your income and family size. Please bring documentation of these things if you want to see if you’re eligible.
The San Rafael Campus Medical Clinic has laboratory services and pharmacy services in addition to all their other medical services. Besides adult primary care, individuals can find family practice, optometry, pediatric primary care, family planning services, obstetrics and gynecology, and teen health. This healthcare location is usually very busy but kind and attentive employees are always available to discuss any health-related questions.
3260 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA
The West Berkeley Health Center doesn’t have any qualifications for patients to meet in order to be tested sexually transmitted diseases.
The West Berkeley Health Center provides a wide range of medical services, social services resources, mental health services, and health education materials; they also provide a lot of unique features that you might not see at other health centers. For example, they provide acupuncture, veggie giveaways, classes for reducing stress, yoga classes, Zumba classes, cooking classes, and much more. The West Berkeley Health Center is located close to the Black Pine Circle School and the Ann Chandler Public Health Center.
837 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
The El Cerrito Health Center has no qualifications for patients to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. It’s important to note this center does let qualified individuals use a state-funded program or a sliding fee scale if they’re uninsured. Fees are based on household income. Please bring proof of this at your first visit.
The El Cerrito Health Center strives to make sure every patient of theirs can easily book an appointment in a timely manner. Though parking might be limited at this location they’re conveniently located next to trader joes and CVS. This center focuses on making sure everyone has equal access to their healthcare needs, educational materials, and outside resources so they can be well taken care of from the inside and outside.
320 El Cerrito Plaza, El Cerrito, CA 94530, USA
Their testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections is a part of their way to prevent epidemics and the spread of disease. These testing services are available to those living in Berkeley and the surrounding communities.
The Ann Chandler Public Health Center not only provides STD testing, but also services like birth control, emergency birth control, vaccines, and women’s health. The public health division building is nice looking on the outside and has plenty of parking spaces available to the public.
830 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
The makeup of a community has great bearing on the number of STD tests which are administered. There is a tendency for regions with high poverty levels to have lower numbers of tests performed outside or mandatory pregnancy screenings. It is believed that this is the case because there are financial constraints and a lack of information that prevents people from seeking out quality medical care.
Local health departments and the CDC are aware of some of the obstacles that are preventing at risk individuals from obtaining the testing and treatment that they need. Government programs are currently active in providing subsidization for STD testing and treatment. The problem is that not everyone is aware of the services that are available. There must be an increase in the information being distributed. Currently, pamphlets are placed in the lobbies of health care providers along with posters and public service announcements that provide information.
Public schools provide their students with sexual health education classes that inform them about the dangers of unprotected sex, how to have safe sex and the signs and symptoms of pregnancy and STD infection. Students who complete these classes know where they need to go to get HIV or Herpes testing. It is believed that this will help to lessen the STD rates in the future, but they are currently above acceptable levels. While these efforts are necessary and helpful, they are not reaching a high enough sector of the population and more needs to be done.
Each person can do their part to help stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. If you are at any degree of risk for having an STD, get tested. Ordering testing is simple and it doesn’t take long. After completing the order, all you need to do is to follow up with a trip to a local testing lab. There you will receive private and confidential STD testing completion. The process won’t take long at all. You can expect to be there for between fifteen and twenty minutes total in most cases. Your results will be sent to you confidentially and they will arrive quickly. If you test positive, you will be able to follow up with the treatment that is needed to improve your sexual health. You can also get more information about safe sex practices to prevent STD infection.
If everyone who is at risk would get tested and follow up with treatment if needed, our nation would see the STD rates plummet. We owe it not only to ourselves to protect our sexual health, but to our children and their children that will follow. The current STD epidemic is spiraling out of control, but as a nation, we still have the capacity to take the necessary actions to stamp out this issue. In addition to taking personal action through testing, it is important for all parents to make sure that their children understand the importance of safe sex practices and when it is necessary to get tested.
Reference:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats14/tables/2.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats14/
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.
