Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Sunny Santa Maria. Home of Vandenberg Air Force Base and the 30th Space wing. Add in enough wineries to warrant a slew of “10 best” articles and it becomes no wonder that Hollywood chooses to shoot so much in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara Metropolitan Area. Nor why it generates nearly $2,000,000,000 per year in tourist revenue. Santa Maria is a paradise, but not from every angle.
Data as released by the California Department of Public Health as of 2017 reveals that transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections (STIs) is experiencing a steep rise.
The report states that California had a 40% swell in cases over the last 5 years, and that Santa Barbara was near the top of the list. In fact, while the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara Metro area chlamydia rates grew by 30% in the same timeframe, just up the 1 in Monterey California it only grew by 2%.
Doctors hypothesize early and regular screening curtailed the growth, and that the same should be implemented elsewhere. There are plenty of STD clinics near you. Many of which can offer results for some tests in as little as 1-2 days and offer affordable or free testing based on income or around April (STD awareness Month).
If you’re in the Santa Maria area, there are a few affordable options available to you. One is Planned Parenthood – Santa Maria Health on Chapel street. Another is Santa Maria Health Care Center on Centerpointe Parkway. Both of those STI testing clinics are located between the 101 and the 135.
To find the best services and location for you, use our search tools below to compare location features across Santa Maria clinics with our easy-to-read chart.
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
Access Support Network is an organization that was founded in 1984 to offer extensive health-care services to PLWHA in San Luis Obispo, CA, and adjoining areas. Its physicians are proficient in offering HIV/Hepatitis C screening and treatment services. Doctors may also provide dental and behavioral health-care services.
The Center for Health and Prevention is a medical facility that offers quality reproductive/sexual health-care services to families residing in San Luis Obispo, CA, and neighboring areas. Its physicians are proficient in offering testing and treatment for UTIs and STDs. Other services clients may receive include pregnancy testing, family planning, and breast and cervical cancer screening.
American Indian Health & Services is a medical clinic that was founded in 1994, and it provides health-care services to communities living in Santa Barbara and its adjacent areas. Some services its staff is skilled in offering include family planning and immunizations as well as diabetes management, women’s health care, and treatment of minor injuries. Patients may also receive STD screening and diagnosis.
Planned Parenthood - Santa Maria Health Center of Santa Maria, CA, is a medical facility that offers in-depth health-care services to residents of Santa Maria, CA. Some of the services you may get include family planning, cervical cancer screening, treatment of UTIs, pregnancy evaluation, and testing and treatment of STDs. For HIV testing, physicians may use finger sticks, and you may receive results after waiting for approximately 10 to 40 minutes.
Santa Maria Health Care Center is a public health clinic that offers equitable health-care services to the people of Santa Maria, CA. Its medical team is well-trained to provide services such as immunizations, pregnancy testing, women’s health, and child care. STD testing and treatment are also available to individuals who need the services.
Med Plus Urgent Care is a medical facility that offers all-encompassing health-care services to residents of Santa Maria, CA. It’s staffed with medical practitioners who are skilled in treating conditions such as lacerations, sore throats, broken bones, and ENT and UTI infections. Clients may also receive STD evaluation and diagnostic services.
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: Social Service Organization. You are welcome to walk in any time the Health Center is open to make an appointment or see if there is a same day appointment available
Description: Need to enroll as a patient in order to receive services.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed from 12noon-12:30pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Need to enroll 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: Need to enroll as a patient in order to receive services.
Description: Need to enroll as a patient in order to receive services.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed 12noon-1pm for lunch
Description: Need to enroll as a patient in order to receive services.
Like much of the state the number of sexually transmitted diseases is rising, and has been for several years. Over the past twenty years health officials have watched the number of sexually transmitted infections steadily increase, with very little being down to help keep the public safe.
This has led to Chlamydia rates in women higher than state averages, and even men are testing positive more often for this infectious disease. The recent statistics released by the Santa Barbara County Health Department actually show that across the board men are among those with the greatest risk.
More men are contracting Gonorrhea and Syphilis, and HIV rates are also increasing. It is not only members of the LGBT community that are finding themselves at risk, but heterosexuals as well. The recent statistics clearly show that STDs do not differentiate between age, race or sexual preference.
Men and women ages 18 to 24 do have a higher risk of contracting a STD, but older residents are testing positive for primary and secondary Syphilis more often. Gonorrhea rates are also rising in young people, and African American males are among those with the greatest risk of contracting this venereal disease.
Primary and secondary Syphilis incidents are higher in Hispanic and Caucasian males, though the recent statistics also show that Latin American women are starting to contract this preventable disease with increasing frequency. Some other statistics released by the health department that residents should be aware of include,
The medical team offers free HIV/Hepatitis testing to individuals who are aged 13 years and above, and you don’t need assent from your parents if you’re a minor.
Some HIV and Hepatitis C services are available at no charge. Additionally, case managers may link HIV positive clients to support and assistance programs, for instance, food pantries, transportation, and housing. To get extensive health care, you may book an appointment slot by calling the clinic’s medical staff.
1320 Nipomo St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
The medical team offers low-cost or free STD screening, and the latter is made possible by a state-funded program. However, if you don't qualify for the program, physicians may bill your insurance or accept cash and credit/debit cards to clear medical bills.
Physicians may offer free STD treatment to partners of STD positive clients. Additionally, medical practitioners render confidential STD services. Also, the health center’s staff values convenience, so you may walk into the clinic to receive medical services during a suitable time.
705 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Physicians may offer STD screening services at a low cost to everyone without considering income levels, and you may make use of payment options such as cash and credit cards while settling your bill.
Doctors are experienced in offering STD testing and treatment with exactness and discretion. Also, you may call a medical provider or book an appointment online to receive medical care. Moreover, the medical team safeguards the patients’ portal and only discloses clients’ medical information to authorized individuals.
4141 State St, Goleta, CA 93110, USA
If you’re uninsured, you may utilize cash, credit cards, or debit cards to pay for low-cost STD tests. Additionally, patients who don’t have any means of settling medical bills may qualify for a federally-funded program. Also, the staff may bill various private and public insurances, including Medicaid.
Depending on the services you need, you may book an appointment or walk into the clinic. Additionally, clinicians may offer language translation services via telephone. Also, you may receive medical services during the weekend if your weekday schedule is compact.
415 E Chapel St, Santa Maria, CA 93454, USA
You ought to have a valid photo ID to receive health care, and you may also qualify to make payments on a sliding scale fee based on your household income. Additionally, low-cost STD tests are accessible by anyone, and physicians accept insurances such as Medicare and Covered California as well as self-pay options such as cash and credit or debit cards.
Clients may have to call a physician to receive STD services. Additionally, you may be eligible for the Ryan White program that may clear your medication bill if you’re HIV positive. Moreover, if you opt for medical care at the health center, you’ll receive confidential STD screening and treatment.
2115 Centerpointe Pkwy, Santa Maria, CA 93455, USA
Based on your family size and income, you may get STD screening services at a discounted price. Also, uninsured clients may pay medical bills using cash, and the medical team accepts some health-care insurance plans.
Clients may benefit from the Pacific Central Coast Health Centers Assistance Program to receive financial assistance for medical bills. Additionally, you may schedule your appointment online or through making a phone call before visiting the health center. Moreover, other than weekdays, physicians offer STD services on Saturdays, so you may conveniently seek medical care during the extended weekend hours.
1102 E Clark Ave #120a, Santa Maria, CA 93455, USA
This city is not the only one in the state dealing with a high STD rate, and lawmakers have taken proactive steps to begin dealing with the health crisis. This has included public awareness campaigns, along with updating the state’s sex education classes in its public schools.
For more than twenty years public school districts have been allowed to follow their own guidelines, as long as medically accurate information regarding HIV/AIDS was included. In response most districts choose to accept funding from the federal government that can with the stipulation that they followed the strict guidelines in its abstinence based sex education programs. Started in the 1980’s in response to the AIDS epidemic, state lawmakers realized that this program was no longer relevant to teens or even most adults.
Following the positive results in other states where comprehensive sexual education classes are offered, the start of the school year brought about these changes. Even though abstinence is still encouraged, students also learn how STDs are spread and the best ways they can protect themselves. This includes regular HIV testing in Santa Maria, where officials are hopeful that this will help stop the rising rate of infection. Regular Herpes testing in Santa Maria is also encouraged, especially for students who are typically the most at risk.
Its location next to the Pacific Ocean makes this a great place to surf and work on your tan, but this relaxed atmosphere is also contributing to the city’s problems with STDs. It can be difficult to get residents to pay attention to the growing health problem when all they want to do is spend time outside.
This is not to say that residents do not care about their sexual health or that of others simply that until recently nothing was being done to educate them about the risks. Now that the state has required that all public school districts include comprehensive and medically accurate information in its sex education program, officials are hopeful that they will soon see the number of residents that test positive each year start to decline.
The city’s location also brings in a large number of beach goers and surfers each year, and many of them have never been tested for a STD. Since many of these transmittable diseases do not display immediate symptoms it can be difficult to tell if someone is infected. This alone makes regular STD testing an important part of anyone’s health care routine.
A rising number of residents are now using illicit drugs, and this risky behavior is being blamed for the sudden increase in Syphilis rates. Other factors include a shortage of testing centers, along with an inability for some residents to pay for the procedure. While the state is still working on ways for everyone to get the care that they need, it is your responsibility to take care of your own sexual health.
Taking a few minutes from the beach or your other daily activities to be tested for all the STDs is important not just for your health, but that of those around you. If you don’t have time to spend the day in a crowded clinic but still want to get tested, there is a faster and easier way. You can schedule confidential STD testing with just a phone call and only spend a few minutes at a local lab. This way you can take care of your sexual health and still have plenty of time to spend at the beach.
Reference:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/se/
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.
