Preferred Location: 864 Central Blvd Ste 900 Brownsville,TX 78520 Mitte Cultural District Change location
Preferred Location: 864 Central Blvd Ste 900 Brownsville,TX 78520 Mitte Cultural District Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 864 Central Blvd Ste 900 Brownsville,TX 78520 Mitte Cultural District Change Location
In 2017, there were 827 people living with HIV or AIDS in Cameron County, with a prevalence rate of 195.2 per 100K people, just over half of the Texas rate of 320.4. Those rates are not that high, but health officials are most worried about who is affected by them.
In the Rio Grande Valley, one out of every five new HIV cases is a teen.
Health officials say that insufficient sex education is largely to blame, as youth do not know how to protect themselves. They urge parents to talk to their children about sex, STDs, and protection, no matter how uncomfortable the conversation is.
Once someone is tested and found to be positive, medication can suppress the virus, making it less likely to be passed on. But first, one must be tested. In 2017, 2,083 people in Cameron County were diagnosed with chlamydia, at a rate of 491.6 per 100K people, just a bit under Texas’s rate of 511.6. The county’s gonorrhea and syphilis rates were 66.6 and 36.3.
There are not many clinics in Brownsville, but there is a regional clinic that offers free STD testing. The schedule is a bit irregular, as they move to different venues. Keep in mind that public clinics typically have long waits. There is also a Planned Parenthood on Alton Gloor Blvd. They test for STIs and treat all except HIV, and the fee is on a sliding scale.
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
In 1987, medical professionals from the Cameron and Hidalgo County Departments of Health and Planned Parenthood met with the Texas Department of Health in response to HIV/AIDS epidemic . This led to the founding of the Valley AIDS Council (VAC).
They have since opened 3 clinics, including this one that concentrates only on testing and treating those with the virus.
VAC (valley AIDS Council) is a non-profit HIV service organization that delivers culturally appropriate sexual health and wellness services for the Latino and other populations. They started in 1987 and have expanded to include 3 clinics in the surrounding areas.
The Mary P. Health Center is a STD clinic that is overseen by the county health department. This means that you know for sure that they are following the mandates for care that has been set down by the state. There are physicians, along with other medical personnel.
Most testing will be done by a state licensed technician. Results can take awhile to come back, sometimes as long as two weeks.
Planned Parenthood is a global leader in sexual health care. It is their only focus and they are constantly improving their methods as research and techniques progress. Since they do more than just testing, they have physicians on staff.
Rapid HIV testing is done by swabbing the inside of your mouth. The results are back in 20-30 minutes.
The Cameron County Health Department has several STI clinics that are working in concert to help stem the new number of infections that are rising every year. This is done mainly through testing, which is done by a clinician that the county has trained and qualified.
Su Clinica is a non-profit community health center that has been serving the residents of Cameron and Willacy counties since 1971. They believe in providing comprehensive and holistic medical care to all residents in the two counties.
Even though their focus is not on sexually transmitted infections, they still test for them. There is a lab so the time it takes to learn your results is days instead of weeks.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Description: AIDS Service Organization, Community Based Organization.
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Description: Social Service Organization. 1st Tuesday of each month hours are 9am - 7pm
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Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Mpox vaccine Mon.-Fri., 9am-1pm
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Description: AIDS Service Organization. If you have medical insurance, plan to bring a picture ID and your proof of insurance. If you do not have insurance, plan to bring a picture ID for proof of residence and a month's worth of check stubs for proof of income. HIV/STI testing by appointment Mon.-Thurs., 9am-12noon and 1pm-4pm
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Description: Social Service Organization. 1st Monday of the month 9am-7pm
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Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Mpox vaccine available Mon.-Fri., 8am-1pm
With its close proximity to Mexico, this south Texas city is home to a culturally diverse population that is experiencing a growing rise in the number of reported cases of STDs. In the past twenty years the population of this city has grown to make it the 16th largest in the state, and this has also brought problems. Recent statistics released in 2013 showed that 200 were infected with HIV in the first four months of the year. What is truly frightening to health care officials is that this is only one small statistic for a short period.
The first thing to do is to request an appointment. If you are worried about costs, don't. They will work with you, regardless of whether you can pay or not. They will also help you enroll in programs that often cover most if not all of your expenses.
The Valley AIDS Council is a testing only facility. They also provide education on prevention. Their services are free and open to everyone.
When you are making your appointment you might want to choose early hours. The clinic is often full during afternoon and evening hours.
857 E Washington St, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
Are you a new patient here? You will need to become a client. You can do so online. It will only take a few minutes for you to fill out some brief information. Once this is done, you can choose an appointment time. Testing is free for everyone, you do need to be 14 or older.
VAC is the only HIV testing and care center that is free for those living with HIV in the area. This does mean that they have a full patient load but they always find time to accept new patients, without medical care being lessened. They treat each client here as if they were the only patient they have.
2306 Camelot Plaza Cir, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA
The clinic appreciates it if you call first. This will save you time and prevent a long wit where you still might not even get in. The county does have programs that help with the cost of testing. When you call, it is a good time to ask about this.
The Mary P. Lucio Health Clinic is mainly a testing center for sexually transmitted infections. It is over on Jose Colunga Jr. St. It is clearly marked and there is even a bus that goes near by. They also have parking if you prefer to drive yourself.
1204 Jose Colunga Jr. St, Brownsville, TX 78521, USA
Appointments and payment upon services are required. You can book your visit online. If you need help with the costs, it is best to call. The staff will let you know if you qualify for financial assistance. This also applies to minors that are at least 14. Anyone younger will need to bring an adult with them.
Planned Parenthood is the first place many people think of when it comes to their sexual health, and for a good reason. They have the experience many seek to feel comfortable with both testing and any treatment that might be needed.
870 E Alton Gloor Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78526, USA
You can take your chances and walk-in, though you might be surprised at how busy it can get here. This translates into a longer wait. It really is advisable to call and schedule your visit in advance.
There is a fee associate with testing, but you can still get screened if you cannot afford to pay. There are certain qualifications you will need to meet. These will be explained to you when you call.
The Cameron County Health Department does test for sexually transmitted infections, however they are not able to provide much in the way of treatment other than medication and follow up exams.
Services here are without charge, especially for those that qualify. You can get all the information you need when you call for your appointment.
711 N L St, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA
It can be a little confusing getting an appointment. You do need one to come in. First you must register as a patient, this is done in the clinic. You will be asked the reason for your visit. This is to see if you need a physician, nurse or clinician. Once this is done, you can finally schedule your visit.
Su Clinica is working to improve the overall health of those in the community. Their fees are affordable, but they are not free. You also have to go through several steps before registering for an appointment. Some people might find that this is more than they want to do, when they just want a quick STD screening.
105 E Alton Gloor Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78526, USA
Unfortunately most of a teenager’s sexual education is supposed to be supplied by their parents or guardian. While the reasoning behind the city’s lack of sexual education classes is to not cross boundaries that parents aren’t comfortable with, it is also leading to the higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases. Even though Brownsville is considered a small city, it is still leading the state in high STD rates. Not only is this a problem for the health of the infected person, but also anyone they come into contact with.
While the city might be lacking in education, it is still possible to stay healthy and be sexually active. While the city’s independent schools are teaching teenagers the benefits of abstinence, it is also possible for them to get Herpes testing in Brownsville to ensure that they are healthy. While herpes may resemble a rash, the same is not true for people suffering from AIDs. With the high number of people living with AIDs in the state, it is also important to get regular HIV testing in Brownsville.
This part of the state has several factors that are contributing to the high rate of STDs, and it is hard to narrow down which one is the most detrimental to residents’ sexual health. The appalling lack of sex education in the city’s school systems is certainly contributing to the problem, since many children are becoming sexually active with using any type of protection.
The higher concentration of Hispanics that do not understand the risks, along with lower wages can all make it difficult for everyone in the city to understand the risks of having unprotected sex and not getting tested. Another problem plaguing this border city is the growing number of sex traffickers who simply do not care about anyone’s sexual health. When all of this is allowed to go unnoticed, it is only logical to experience a sudden and steady increase in the number of reported STDs.
The only way for residents of Brownsville is to begin educating themselves and their children about the dangers of having unprotected sex, along with understanding the importance of regular screenings. While the city may not have a large number of STD clinics, there are a few that you can make use of to protect your sexual health. Until the city begins educating all of its residents it will continue to see a rise in the number of teenagers and adults reporting an STD. This is why it is important to take advantage of the a private STD test to protect your health and everyone else in the great border city of Brownsville.
Reference:
http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=915112#.VS7YsJOKV0Q
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: 864 Central Blvd Ste 900 Brownsville,TX 78520 Mitte Cultural District Change Location
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