Preferred Location: 3001 Squalicum Pkwy Bellingham,WA 98225 Cornwall Park Change location
Preferred Location: 3001 Squalicum Pkwy Bellingham,WA 98225 Cornwall Park Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 3001 Squalicum Pkwy Bellingham,WA 98225 Cornwall Park Change Location
Nicknamed the City of Subdued Excitement, Bellingham may be due for a new label. With sexually transmitted diseases hitting record rates all throughout the state of Washington, Whatcom County is no exception. The data shows that the highest amount of newly reported STDs were found in people younger than the age of 25. The outbreak of chlamydia is reportedly higher in females (especially those between the ages of 20 and 24); while males make up the majority of gonorrhea cases.
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI in the Bellingham area. The total reported instances went up by 16 for a total of 708 in 2017.
That increase puts the rate at 327.3 per 100,000 people. Because chlamydia presents with mild to no symptoms, health officials are urging sexually active people to get tested more regularly. Left untreated, STDs can cause more serious infections—particularly dangerous for pregnant women.
The rate of gonorrhea cases spiked from 48 in every 100,000 people to 68 per 100,000. Reports of herpes also on the rise with a rate of 24.5 for every 100,000. Meanwhile, syphilis dropped by two cases, but the numbers were too low to calculate a new rate. Public health supervisors for Whatcom County’s Health Department for Communicable Diseases encourage getting tested, practicing better sexual partner communication, and proper use of barrier methods such as condoms to avoid contracting potential STIs.
One clinic option available is Planned Parenthood located at the Bellingham Health Center on Ellis St. They offer testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. While it is not free STD testing they do offer affordable fees based on your household income, so bring proof of income when you visit.
To find the best services and location for you, use our search tools below to compare location features across Bellingham 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 CDC2 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Evergreen Wellness Advocates was established in 1983 to help, house, feed, and stand by people infected or affected with HIV infections. It focuses on helping clients maintain their health and enjoy long and fulfilling lives by offering comprehensive HIV services. The facility also links clients with specialized care and provides confidential HIV tests to prevent and contain the spread of the virus.
Sea Mar Community Health Center is a community-based organization providing quality, comprehensive health, housing, cultural, and educational services to the diverse community of Bellingham. It provides medical services including preventative health exams, acute care visits, health education, and prenatal care. It also offers confidential STD services through its in-house lab services staffed by licensed lab technicians.
Barkley Women’s Health-care provides women with compassionate and professional health care services. Its board of certified medical practitioners is trained to deliver services including contraceptives and counseling, infertility treatment, fibroid diagnosis, and comprehensive lab work. Additionally, it offers confidential STD screening and treatment services.
Bellingham Health Centre of Bellingham, WA provides comprehensive sexual reproductive health care services in a patient-centered environment. It has established education programs geared towards advocating for the reproductive rights of women, and it also has physicians trained to provide confidential STD services.
Whatcom County Health Department’s mission is to promote health and prevent diseases among the county residents. The health department is staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants providing free and confidential STD testing, counseling services, treatment, and other prevention measures.
Family Care Network - Urgent Care – Bellingham was established to provide accessible health care services for families in Bellingham city. The facility physicians are qualified to provide services including travel immunizations, sports medicine care management, and STD screenings and treatment services.
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These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Result: 1-2 business days
15 min test
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Doctor Prescription (if needed)
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Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
Hours
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
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Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
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Description: Community Based Organization.
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Description: Need to register as a patient.
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Description: WCPC offers free STI testing for both men and women.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
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Description: Social Service Organization. This Health Center is closed from 7:30am-10am on the 2nd Wednesday of each month for a staff meeting
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Description: Need to enroll as a patient.
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
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Description: Community Based Organization. Must be an enrolled member.
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Description: Need to register as a patient.
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Description: Need to register as a patient.
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Description: Primary care services for eligible Native Americans. No cost to the family. Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
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Description: Hospital. Services open to the general public.
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Description: Need to register as a patient.
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Description: Sea Mar serves everyone. It prefers that clients become a patient but takes walk ins. Services for Women.
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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. Please bring proof of income when you arrive for your visit.
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HIV services are provided to all clients with no gender, age, color, race, or income qualification. Major insurance plans are accepted by the facility; therefore, insured patients may be eligible for HIV services. Uninsured persons may qualify for financial assistance through a sliding fee scale program.
Evergreen Wellness Advocates is a renowned provider in HIV services and has a Food Program specifically designed to provide HIV infected persons with a balanced diet. Lastly, the facility educates, counsels, and creates community awareness to reduce HIV/STI cases.
3501 Colby Ave #100, Everett, WA 98201, USA
The professional clinical care team works together to serve patients regardless of their religion, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Insurance options and sliding scale fee discounts may also be available to eligible clients.
The clinic’s medical staff speaks more than one language, thus helping them reach diverse communities. It also has a Basic Food Program that helps underserved community members access quality meals.
4455 Cordata Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98226, USA
The health care facility has no gender, age, race, color, or income level limits for comprehensive STD services. Major forms of payments and insurance plans are accepted. However, uninsured patients may qualify for STD services and charge on a sliding fee scale.
Barkley Women’s Healthcare has an on-site lab that utilizes advanced technology to deliver precise STD results, and it also provides pap smears and breast screening services to women of all ages. Lastly, the facility provides timely appointments and libido services for both men and women.
2075 Barkley Blvd #230, Bellingham, WA 98226, USA
The Planned Parenthood Clinic doesn't discriminate patients based on their gender, income level, sex, race, or disability when providing STD services. The facility is also a member of most insurance companies; therefore, insured patients may be eligible for STD services. A sliding fee scale is also provided to uninsured individuals.
The Planned Parenthood facility has caring and compassionate health care providers offering efficient STD services in a nonjudgmental environment. Interpretation services for non-English speakers are also available.
1530 Ellis St, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
No one is denied STD/HIV services based on their gender, disability, race, color, or income levels. The health department offers confidential STD services to both insured and uninsured patients. However, uninsured persons may qualify for state-funded programs.
The Health Department of Whatcom County provides efficient health care services to its residents. It also has many programs including immunization services for eligible patients, and syringe services program for individuals who inject drugs. Moreover, a parking space is available for the patients.
509 Girard St, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
STD services are provided to all individuals irrespective of their color, sex, age, disability, or income levels. Insured patients may be eligible for treatment since the clinic is affiliated with major insurance companies. However, discounted rates may be offered to individuals without insurance.
Family Care Network - Urgent Care – Bellingham has compassionate and friendly health care workers providing confidential STD services, and obstetrics and family planning services. The clinic also provides adequate parking for its visitors.
3130 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
State lawmakers recently passed a bill that revamps the current sex education policy. While rumors and misprints have led to some outrage by parents and school administrators, overall the new guidelines are designed to ensure students receive information that is relevant and medically accurate.
The main changes deal with gender identity, and the new curriculum does not promote sexually activity. Abstinence is still encouraged, only now students will have access to some of the information they need to understand the changes taking place in their bodies as they go through puberty. Law makers are hopeful that not only will this help prevent “bullying” simply because a student is different, but that it will also enable them to make smart decisions when it comes to being sexually active.
Since the new curriculum won’t be implemented until the start of the 2017 school year, it is too soon to tell if these changes are having a positive effect on the area’s high STD and teen pregnancy rates.
Even with these changes the state’s sex education policy is still lacking in some areas. The importance of always using condoms during intercourse is only discussed if a student has the courage to ask, and unfortunately most don’t. This means that even though the majority of high school students are sexually active, according to recent surveys, most are not using protection.
Regular Herpes testing in Bellingham is the best way to prevent the spread of the contagious virus. Regular HIV testing in Bellingham is critical for everyone’s continued good health.
Budget cuts to health care in recent years are being blamed for the rise in the city’s STD rates. The small city only had a few community health centers, and the loss of funding has caused some of them to close their doors. Without a convenient place to get tested, many residents are simply ignoring this important part of their health care routine.
Adding to residents’ difficulties in getting tested is the fact that it is no longer covered under Medicaid. This means that many residents on fixed incomes simply cannot afford to take care of their sexual health. As long as everyone doesn’t have easy access to the health care they need, the number of STDs reported each year will continue to rise.
These are only a few of the factors affecting the STD rates, and until they are all resolved everyone’s sexual health will be in risk.
Free HIV clinics and mobile STD testing are two ways you can have your status checked, but they do come with some downsides. Privacy is almost nonexistent, since it’s obvious why you stopped in. On the other hand, STI clinics can usually give you same day results in an environment that is discreet. Often taking appointments on weekends, even with no insurance, why don’t you stop in on your way to Lummi Island?
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.
Your preferred location: 3001 Squalicum Pkwy Bellingham,WA 98225 Cornwall Park Change Location
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