Preferred Location: 4150 Southwest Drive Abilene,TX 79606 Park Central Area Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 4150 Southwest Drive Abilene,TX 79606 Park Central Area Change Location
At the end of 2017, there were 228 people living with HIV in Taylor County, Texas.
As far as HIV and AIDS diagnoses by city in Texas, Abilene is not even among the top 50. However, the county diagnosed 729 chlamydia cases that year, and Abilene health officials have acknowledged it as a problem and hope to reduce that number through sex education and condom use.
2017 also saw 343 diagnoses of gonorrhea in Taylor County and 23 syphilis cases.
Abilene has several clinics you can go to for testing, in convenient locations around the city, including some free STD testing options for those who can prove that they cannot pay. Right in the center, on Butternut St., you have Big Country AIDS Resources, which focuses on HIV and AIDS education, prevention, treatment, and support.
Also downtown, the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District STD Clinic tests for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. HPV vaccines are also available. Other clinics are scattered along the perimeter of the city.
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 CDC2ย 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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Big Country AIDS Resources is dedicated to reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS. This organization helps individuals living with HIV/AIDS throughout 19 counties located in the western central texas area. Some of their services include case management, in-house clinic, AIDS education, and more.
The Abilene Taylor County Public Health District ensures all residents of the county have access to good quality healthcare programs and services. Their goal is to educate and protect all residents of the county. Some of the services they provide include dental services, hepatitis vaccinations, immunizations, and much more.
The Abilene Taylor County Public Health District, more specifically the Mercy Health Center ensures all residents of the county have access to good quality healthcare programs and services. Their goal is to educate and protect all residents of the county. Some of the services they provide include dental services, hepatitis vaccinations, immunizations, STD and HIV testing, and much more.
The Sweetwater Nolan County Health Department provides prevention of illness and disease by providing health promotion, education, and resources. This county health department is dedicated to protecting all residents against infectious disease, the flu, illness, and other health conditions. This health department has nine staff members that include nurses and other supportive roles.
The Brownwood-Brown County Health Department aims to protect all residents of the county. They do this by providing preventative health services. Some of the services they provide include routine health screenings, immunizations, STD/HIV testing, flu shots, and health education.
Call our Expert Care Advisors at
Accredited and Certified
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.
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.
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.
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.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed from 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed from 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed from 12noon-1pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. STI/HIV testing cost is $35.00.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. There is a small fee for HIV testing. Closed from 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed between 12noon-1pm. STD clinics are conducted by appointment only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
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: Hospital.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Call for HIV testing schedule
The western city of Abilene, TX is acknowledging that the community does need to begin focusing more closely on the rising STDs rates that seem to be affecting more women and young men. Recent studies are noticing a distinct increase in the number of reported cases of Chlamydia and HIV in recent years, while fewer residents are getting tested regularly. Some of the data released includes,
Top STD Testing Locations in Abilene, TX
Primary Item (H2)Even though this organization primarily serves those living in and around the Abilene area, everyone is welcome at this facility. There are no qualification such as age or income to meet.
Big Country AIDS Resources has been helping HIV+ individuals throughout Texas since 1987. Individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS will find medical support and case management services at this facility.
402 Butternut St, Abilene, TX 79602, USA
The public health district does not have any qualifications besides the person being tested must be a resident of Abilene Taylor County. The cost of testing services is $20.00 and includes the tests for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Hepatitis C testing is also available for an additional $15.00. The clinic offers free STI testing on the first Monday of every month from 8:00 am -10:00 am and 1:00 pm -3:00 pm on a walk-in basis.
This health district provides primary health care and other care in specialty areas such as sexually transmitted diseases, family planning, cancer screenings, and more.
850 N 6th St, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
The health care center does not have any qualifications besides the person being tested must be a resident of Abilene Taylor County. The cost of testing services is $20.00 and includes the tests for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Hepatitis C testing is also available for an additional $15.00. The clinic offers free STI testing on the first Monday of every month from 8:00 am -10:00 am and 1:00 pm -3:00 pm on a walk-in basis.
This health care center provides primary health care and other care in specialty areas such as sexually transmitted diseases, family planning, cancer screenings, women's health care, and more. Please note, the Mercy Health Care Center has two on-site nurses that can answer questions patients have pertaining to health conditions.
1902 Shelton St, Abilene, TX 79603, USA
Nolan County Health provides its HIV and STI testing services to those who reside in Nolan County. Please bring proof of your residence to your first appointment. This is the only qualification that visitors must meet.
The Nolan County Health Department ensures healthy residents by providing services to promote good overall health and preventive health care. The staff at this facility want all residents to live a quality life and know one way to do is by offering health promotion, resources, and education.
301 E 12th St, Sweetwater, TX 79556, USA
The Brownwood-Brown County Health Department strives to provide accurate STD and HIV testing services. These testing services are available to the public with no qualifications. Testing costs $35.00.
The Brownwood-Brown County Health Department strives to reduce the spread of illness and infectious disease by providing numerous programs associated with these topics. All health care professionals are trained and educated. This facility is a one-story building that is brown on the outside and has its own parking lot. Its located across the street from KOXE/KBWD radio station.
510 E Lee St, Brownwood, TX 76801, USA
A 2004 poll conducted in Abilene, TX showed that almost 90 percent of residents were in favor of teaching abstinence only sex education classes to high school students. The latest statistics are showing that this approach is not working and teenage pregnancies, along with reported cases of STDs are currently on the rise. In response to the rising numbers the cityโs independent school district has implemented a new 10 day program.
The newly implemented sex education program is being offered to younger students, and will begin to explain the changes that happen to their bodies during puberty. Not only will the 10 day class cover self esteem, and other issues that commonly plague teens during puberty, but also the importance of being protected during sex. STD testing and the importance of regularly visiting one of the free clinics is also covered, and the class also teaches the importance of abstinence.
Since the majority of teenagers will not abstain from sexual intercourse, the hope of this program is to teach high school students the importance of being regularly tested. Herpes testing in Abilene is also covered, along with the fact that this viral infection can also appear around the mouth. HIV testing is also important for Abilene teenagers, especially since the deadly infection is on the rise among young men.
Downtown Abilene, Texas has been experiencing an economic boom lately, and this is beginning to show in the larger number of free STD clinics. While this west Texas city does have some issues with poverty rates, the main reason the STD rates are rising simply has to do with a lack of education.
Not only do many parents prefer not to have to deal with this sensitive issue, the state legislature also limits funding for certain extra programs. With more than half of students admitting that they are already sexually active, and the majority of them only being educated on abstinence it is easy to see why the number of reported cases is rising.
While demographics will always play an important role in an areaโs STD rates, in Abilene it seems that the main problem is still an unfortunate lack of education of the part of parents and children. Without the necessary information teenagers will not learn the importance of regular testing, along with knowing how to protect themselves from contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
While this western city is trying to improve its sexual education program, this is no reason to put off visiting one of the health clinics. It is possible to have a private ย STD testing in Abilene, without having to wait in long clinic lines. Not only will getting tested regularly help to protect your general health, it will also prevent any of your partners from becoming infected. If each resident in Abilene, TX was regularly tested the city would not be facing a rising number of STD cases.
Reference:
https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/hivstd/
http://www.abilenetx.com/Health/care.htm
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.