Preferred Location: 3729 Ryan St Lake Charles,LA 70605 Lake Charles Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 3729 Ryan St Lake Charles,LA 70605 Lake Charles Change Location
In 2015 STD rate was 695.2 out of 100,000, higher than the national average of 478.8 per 100,000 and an increase from the year before.
Chlamydia rates rose 11.9% between 2014 and 2015 and were 45.2% higher than the national average. Gonorrhea also showed an increase of 14.5% between the years of 2014 and 2015, and was also 14.5% higher than the national average. Syphilis increased by 21% between 2014 and 2015.
Calcasieu Parish reported the following rates for 2016: 987 cases of chlamydia, 338 cases of gonorrhea, 17 cases of primary and secondary syphilis, and 31 cases of HIV diagnoses.
In response, the state now has the STD/HIV Program focused on preventing STD transmission through medical availability, social services, and STD case tracking. State health departments are offering no-cost STD testing at certain locations during the month of April in support of STD Awareness Month.
Year round the Lake Charles area has many facilities for STD testing. On Opelousas Street you can find the Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services, the Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council testing facilities is located on Common Street, and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals offers testing at their location on Kirkman Street.
Throughout the year there are also opportunities to schedule free STD testing, though dates are not consistent and may not be soon enough to protect your sexual health.
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.
The Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council (SLAC) is a community-based organization that is operated by the grants that the HIV/AIDS Program apart of the Louisiana Office of Public Health, Department of Health and Hospitals, and Health Resources Services Administration receives. This non-profit organization provides HIV prevention services like HIV testing and educational materials to people living in and around Lake Charles, LA. SLAC has been in operation since 1987.
The Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center (SWLAHEC) has been in operation since 1991. The mission of this health education center is to help residents of Louisiana live healthier lives and make better healthier choices by providing information, education materials, and health services so all residents have equal access to life-changing information and services. Some of the programs at this center include career and professional education, workforce development, health interventions, preventive health, and much more.
The Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council (Comprehensive Care Clinic) is located on the Moss Memorial Health Clinic campus. This Comprehensive Care Clinic provides HIV+ clients treatment. This CC team can provide other services like primary medical and HIV care, gynecology care, medical case management, high-risk medical case management, treatment adherence counseling, pharmacy assistance, substance use counseling, and much more.
The Cameron Parish Health Unit is owned and operated apart of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. DHH aims to provide residents of the state with medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services in order to restore the health and well-being of all residents who need it. Some of the services offered at the Cameron Parish Health Unit include family planning, high-risk nutrition, sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, WIC, immunizations, and much more.
The Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services is a community health center that provides services like pediatrics, dental, family medicine, OB/GYN, and more. This community-based organization was established in 1978. They have facilities in Lake Charles, Lafayette, Crowley, and Oberlin. Recently this center for health services hosted its first annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival which was filled with educational, community, and cultural events.
The Louisiana Department of Public Health employs more than 1,000 professionals to keep Louisiana safe and healthy for all residents. Their staff operates more than 50 programs within their 63 parish health units, three specialty clinics, nine regional offices, three centers, fifteen bureaus, and more. Their health professionals include engineers, doctors, biologists, nurses, clinicians, and many more. Their staff works every day during the week to make sure water is safe to drink, prevent health disasters, analyze public health data, and much more.
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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: Community Based Organization.
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Please note that not all procedures may qualify for sliding fee discount. Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: AIDS Service Organization. HIV testing Mondays and Thursdays by appointment only. Tuesdays 4pm-6pm; Wednesdays 1pm-6pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available. No walk-ins accepted for mpox vaccine. Must call ahead and get an appointment
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: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Closed from 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: SWLA Center for Health Services accepts all patients regardless of their insurance or financial status. Offer the sliding-fee scale to all income eligible, uninsured or under-insured patients based on annual household income for most of our services. Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available upon request. No walk-ins accepted for mpox vaccine. Must call ahead and get an appointment
Top STD Testing Locations in Lake Charles, LA
Primary Item (H2)Certified HIV testers administer the HIV tests at this health clinic. Tests are free and confidential. The testing services are available to Louisiana residents only. Their testing process is a bit different than most because they use the Alere Determine Combo onsite. This test provides the ability to notice HIV sooner than rapid conventional rapid tests. This test can detect HIV with 12-26 after infection. Results are ready with 20 minutes is completed by a finger prick.
The Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council (SLAC) provides programs and services to people across the state. These programs and services let people learn more about HIV/AIDS, know their HIV status, and get access to a wide range of helpful services that can help HIV+ residents live a more comfortable and stress-free life. Services like oral health and eye care, treatment adherence, food pantry access, pharmacy assistance, medical transportation, and much more. SLAC provides a personalized approach so each person visiting will feel taken care of and welcomed.
425 Kingsley St, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
The Lake Charles Office of SWLAHEC only provides HIV testing to those who are residents of the state of Louisiana. There are no other qualifications that people must meet before they can be tested. Please bring proof of your Louisiana residence to your first appointment.
The Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center provides numerous opportunities for residents to participate in educational and motiving programs. They offer programs like the HIV/AIDS Program that has been helping to reduce the spread of HIV since 1997. This program takes staff members out onto the streets of Lake Charles and surrounding areas so high-risk people can know their status and be provided treatment and assistance programs.
196 Williamsburg St, Lake Charles, LA 70605, USA
The Comprehensive Care Clinic nurse practitioner named Ruthie Fruge will provide HIV testing. The only qualification in place is the person must be a resident of Louisiana.
The Comprehensive Care Clinic is operated by the Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council. Clients of this care clinic will be respected and attended to in a timely manner. The Comprehensive Care Clinic is on the campus of Moss Memorial Urgent Care and Dr. Walter O. Moss Regional Medical Center. Clients will find quality HIV+ treatment and supportive services at this facility.
1000 Walters St, Lake Charles, LA 70607, USA
The Cameron Parish Health Unit offers all residents of Louisiana with access to sexually transmitted disease testing. There are no other qualifications to meet. Please bring proof of your Louisiana residence to your first visit.
The Cameron Parish Health Unit provides high-quality services and education to individuals that need it so they can make healthier and responsible choices regarding themselves and their family. This facility is spacious and clean and is located in close proximity to the Cameron Clerk of Court and the Cameron Parish Police Jury West Annex, which is a local government office.
107 Recreation Center Ln, Cameron, LA 70631, USA
The Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services does not have any requirements for individuals seeking sexually transmitted disease testing services. Please note this clinic does offer free HIV testing. They accept insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and they use a sliding fee scale. This means the services you participate in may not be free based on your income. Please bring proof of your income to your first appointment. Please note, not all procedures may qualify for their sliding fee discount.
The Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services provides income-based services as well as free services. This health center provides checkups, pregnancy care, immunizations and childcare, prescription medicine, mental and substance abuse counseling, and much more. This center makes accessibility to quality health care services easier and less expensive for those who may be living at or below the poverty line. This clinic is located in front of Jessie D. Clifton Elementary School and across the street from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. They have their own parking lot so patients donโt need to worry about parking in the street.
2000 Opelousas St, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
The Calcasieu Parish Health Unit provides residents of Louisiana sexually transmitted disease testing.
The Louisiana Department of Public Health provides citizens the opportunity to partake in testing services as well any many preventive and educational programs to help stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Free condoms are available at this facility.
3236 Kirkman St, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
The city offers a number of resources to its residents and tourists to keep them informed about their sexual health. For example, there are a number of free resources online you can use to educate yourself on the topic of sexual health and safe sex practices. Further, the city does provide education on sexual health within the public education system. Finally, the city does offer free sexually transmitted disease testing at a number of health centers around the city.
However, within the 2013 STD and HIV Surveillance Report provided by Louisianaโs Department of Health, the most at-risk individuals were between the ages of 20 โ 24, followed closely behind with age groups between 15 โ 19 and 25 โ 34. The community has spoken out about this issue and feels that more needs to be in order to help educate the youth. Many residents feel that more time needs to be spent on sexual health, safe sex strategies, and STD prevention to students at younger ages.
Many public officials are doing their best to handle this issue. Although the city does offer a number of resources and services to the general public, the issue isnโt declining. In order to help raise awareness for the increasing spread of sexually transmitted diseases, community leaders have considered pushing an awareness campaign to the public (for both knowledge on the topic and the free resources readily available), increasing knowledge within the public education system, and discussing the issue with parents to help them understand the severity of this issue.
Just like the rest of the state the city is populated with a diverse population. The city is filled with individuals with different backgrounds and this is something that makes the city so remarkable. However, within the 2012 and 2013 Annual STD/HIV Surveillance Reports, there appeared to be specific demographics that were significantly more at risk than others.
These reports revealed that African Americans within the state of Louisiana were at a significantly higher risk of contracting an STD and Hispanics were also seeing a sharp increase. More specifically, in 2013, African Americans represented a total of 75% of all chlamydia cases within the state. Beyond this, the report outlined that African Americans were more than 4x more likely to become diagnosed with chlamydia when compared to Hispanics, and up to 6x more likely when compared to a white individual.
This is an incredible city with countless opportunities for its residents and tourists. However, the city and state are experiencing an increased number of STD cases and itโs something that shouldnโt be taken lightly. Itโs vitally important that you periodically experience an STD test to keep you up-to-date with your sexual health. Doing so will help you stay informed, decrease the risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases, and keep you healthy.
There are a number STI clinics within the city that offer STD testing at your convenience. However, if you prefer a hassle-free experience that offers increased privacy and expedited test results, you may want to consider calling to schedule confidential STD testing.
http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/assets/oph/HIVSTD/hiv-aids/2012_Louisiana_STD_Annual_Report.pdf
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.