Preferred Location: 11916 Sheldon Rd Ste C Tampa,FL 33626 Citrus Park Community Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 11916 Sheldon Rd Ste C Tampa,FL 33626 Citrus Park Community Change Location
In Hillsborough County, there were over 6,500 people living with HIV in 2015 and each year it is estimated that nearly 350 people are newly diagnosed. Hillsborough County is now considered one of the most at-risk counties for HIV infection in the United States. In Hillsborough County, the demographics most at risk of contracting HIV are men and those who engage in male-to-male sexual contact.
It is also documented that over 6,500 people were diagnosed with an STD, such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, in 2018. These statistics suggest that residents of Citrus Park are at an elevated risk of STD infection.
Hillsborough County was listed by The U.S Department of Health and Human Services as one of the most at-risk counties for HIV/AIDS infection, leading health officials in Citrus Park to urge sexually active residents to seek out regular STD tests.
Health officials in Hillsborough County and Citrus Park have implemented a number of campaigns such as free and anonymous STD testing and the promotion of AIDs awareness and education programs. These initiatives have been put in place in an attempt to educate Citrus Park residents about sexual health, combat the spreading of HIV and STD infections, and combat the related health implications that these infections can cause.
There are a number of public testing centers in Citrus Park and Hillsborough County that you can consider if you are in need of an STD test including Tampa Family Health Centers (Waters Avenue Clinic), Florida Institute for Community Studies Incorporated, and Midtown Medical Center. There are also a number of private clinics available.
Public clinics often offer free STD testing, however in some cases insurance is necessary.
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.
Empath Partners in Care (EPIC) is part of the Empath Health, a not-for-profit network of care, which has been helping individuals challenged by chronic illness in the Tampa Bay region.
The clinic offers a wide variety of counseling, support, medical care, and counseling services. Its team of licensed social workers provide care and support for PLWHA, HIV testing and education, and assist families affected by HIV/AIDS.
Diversity Health Center of Tampa Bay is dedicated to delivering quality health care and developing long-lasting relationships with the community. Its medical practitioners offer primary health care services for PLWHA as well as STI screening and treatment. Patients receive care in a safe and positive environment, and an in-house draw lab is available onsite to conduct tests.
Tampa Family Health Centers serves residents living in Citrus Park, Florida, with caring and quality medical services that are sensitive to their cultural values.
The health center is committed to quality health care services to the community through its team of medical practitioners. Services that are available at the health center include HIV/STI screenings, testing, and treatment as well as pediatrics, family medicine, and women's health.
Planned Parenthood - Tampa Health Center offers sexual and reproductive health care services to residents living in the Citrus Park community. The clinic has qualified doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who are experts in annual exams, abortion care, birth control methods, and STD/HIV screenings, testing, and treatment services.
Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has many satellite clinics located throughout the state to protect the community and individual health. Its STI clinic has board-certified health care practitioners who work to reduce the prevalence of STIs in the community by providing testing and treatment services for infected persons.
AFC Urgent Care โ Citrus Park is part of the AFC urgent care network and provides Citrus Park residents with quality and comprehensive health care for their non-life threatening health conditions.
The clinic is staffed by board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners who offer affordable and effective services to their patients ranging from STD testing, primary care, and lab work to travel medicine and immunizations.
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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: Free condoms available.
Description: Community Based Organization. Please call for HIV testing hours
Description: Community Based Organization.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Free condoms available.
Description: Free condoms available.
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.
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Free condoms available.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. STD Clinic: Walk-in The process is a first come, first serve basis. 13 years of age and over. HIV Services provided at different location - contact (813) 307-8064; TB Services are provided at a different location - contact (813) 307-8047; Immunization Services are provided at a different location - contact (813) 307-8077. The clinic closes every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 12noon-4:30pm
Sexually transmitted diseases are a serious problem in the area, according to statistics recently released by the CDC. The unincorporated city and surrounding Hillsborough County have some of the highest STD rates in the state, and health officials do not see this changing anytime soon.
For the past twenty years the number of residents who test positive for a sexually transmitted disease has been steadily rising, and this includes HIV/AIDS and Syphilis. Primary and secondary Syphilis diagnoses are on the rise, especially among men in their late 20’s and 30’s. This is particularly alarming since most health professionals presumed that this STD was under control.
Statistics also show that it is not just teens and young adults who are testing positive for a STD more often, but older residents are also contracting the sexually transmitted viruses as well. With rates rising among teens and adults it has never been so important to include regular STD testing as part of a routine health plan.
Some of the statistics that indicate how serious the STD problem has become include,
Top STD Testing Locations in Citrus Park, FL
Primary Item (H2)HIV testing services are available to the general public, and no patient is denied medical treatment based on their age, income levels, color, and social status. PLWHA seeking social services must register as a client to receive the services.
EPIC offers broad medical case management programs such as the Florida Family AIDS Network (FFAN), Project AIDS Care (PAC) Waiver, and Ryan White to uninsured and underinsured patients.
Its case managers work with patients to provide personalized services such as mental health, medical, food care, financial assistance, and transportation services. Moreover, it has bilingual Spanish-speaking case managers to help patients not proficient in English to access health care services.
4703 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603, USA
HIV/STI Services are open to members of the public, and no is denied treatment because of their color, age, race, economic background, or marital status. The health center accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and major insurance covers.
The health center provides PrEP services for individuals at risk of contracting HIV infections and HIV risk assessment is available at the facility. The health center has also partnered with specialty pharmacies, including Mail Meds, Pharmacy Tampa Family, and Hudson Pharmacy, which are experts in HIV, PrEP, and STI-related medication counseling.
The pharmacies also have unique financial programs to provide drugs to insured individuals at little to no cost.
4302 N Habana Ave #200, Tampa, FL 33607, USA
There are no specific requirements to access HIV/STI services at the health center. The facility accepts comprehensive insurance plans, and uninsured and underserved patients may pay at a sliding fee scale.
Tampa Family Health Centers has mobile units that provide dental and health services to the community. Therefore, individuals living in remote and underserved areas can access free screenings and other critical health care services through these mobile units. It also has an on-site pharmacy that offers affordable medication, and plenty of condoms are available at the clinic.
8213 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33615, USA
Patients of all ages are eligible for HIV/STI services, and the facility does not discriminate against an individual based upon his/her age, sexual orientation, race, or color. Individuals from the low-income community and uninsured may be allowed to pay at a sliding fee scale, and the clinic accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and other major insurance.
The medical center has an efficient and helpful staff, and patients are welcomed in a clean and comfortable office. Planned Parenthood - Tampa Health Center is designed to offer patients a safe and conducive environment where they can receive health care services without prejudice. It also offers a Mail-A-Pill service, which allows women to receive birth control at the comfort of their home.
8068 N 56th St, Tampa, FL 33617, USA
HIV/STD services are available to individuals over 13 years of age regardless of their income levels, race, gender, or sexual orientation. Patients under Medicaid and those with private health insurance may access medical services.
Patients can access affordable medication at the health department on-site pharmacy. Its pharmacists are trained in HIV/AIDS and have over 20 years of experience in serving people with complex conditions.
The clinic offers health services to patients eligible for the Ryan White Act and recently, the clinic has added services such as dermatology, mental health, Hepatitis C treatment, and womenโs health.
13601 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL 33613, USA
The clinic offers STI/HIV testing to all members of the public, and no patient is denied medical treatment because of their age, sexual orientation, income, or gender. It also accepts various self-pay options and major insurance plans.
The average waiting time at the urgent care clinic is 15 to 25 minutes, and it is open for longer hours, every day of the year to provide residents with access to convenient health care throughout the year. The clinic also has a clean and spacious waiting and exam rooms and offers its clients ample parking space.
6182 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33625, USA
With the 16th highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the state and a rising number of teens and adults testing positive for the other common STDs each year, some state officials are starting to question if the lack of a sexual education program is really helping students protect themselves.
Like many other states, Florida and Citrus Park only use the federally approved and funded “abstinence only” programs in the public schools, and some law makers are finally realizing that this might not be enough to prevent students and other residents from contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
Without comprehensive and medically accurate information, most students do not realize that they can still contract a STD even if they are not engaging in sexual activity. Not all sexually transmitted diseases are spread strictly through intercourse and penetration, and more importantly not every STD displays immediate signs and symptoms. Some venereal diseases can take several months before any symptoms appear, and by this time chances are other people have been infected without even realizing it.
The only effective way to prevent the spread of STDs and finally get the diseases under control is to educate residents about the dangers they face. With regular Herpes testing in Citrus Park the virus can eventually be stopped in area high schools where it is most prevalent. Regular HIV testing in Citrus Park is also crucial for continued good health, especially since the procedure is the only way to check for the potentially deadly disease.
Located next to Tampa and close to some of the top tourists beaches in the state, these are only some of the demographical factors that are effecting the area’s STD rate.
While the constant stream of tourists to the beaches and residents taking frequent trips into the city is contributing to the rising rate of infections, the main factor remains the lack of education and information available to teens and residents. Without the information needed to stay safe, many residents do not even realize they are at risk.
Studies have shown conclusively that comprehensive sexual education programs are the best way to stop the spread of STDs, and teach residents how to protect themselves. Until new bills are introduced requiring all public schools to take these proactive steps the area can expect to see its STD rates continue to rise.
Recent budget cuts to neighborhood clinics and health care facilities are also causing STD rates to soar. Many lower income families simply cannot afford regular testing, and the lack of public health care facilities makes it difficult to even find a place to be screened. Misconceptions regarding STDs and how the diseases are spread, along with a blatant disregard for others health is also contributing to the ongoing problem.
Language barriers in the Hispanic community, along with feelings of shame and embarrassment at being seen standing in line for STD testing are all issues that need to be addressed before the area sees the disease rates start to decrease.
While it is easy to forget about high STD rates in the warm Florida sun, if you value your health and that of others you will remember to get tested regularly. If you don’t want to stand in the long lines that are common at the community health centers you can still get tested without having to wait for hours. Simply make one quick and easy phone call and schedule confidential STD testing. You only need to spend a few minutes at the local lab instead of the entire day at the community center. It is fast, easy, and will give you peace of mind knowing that you have taken responsibility for your own sexual health.
Reference:
http://www.tbo.com/health/medical-news/number-of-sexually-transmitted-diseases-rising-in-florida-hillsborough-20140816/
http://www.tbo.com/health/medical-news/number-of-sexually-transmitted-diseases-rising-in-florida-hillsborough-20140816/
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.