Preferred Location: 400 W Lincoln Hwy Merrillville,IN 46410 Merrillville Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 400 W Lincoln Hwy Merrillville,IN 46410 Merrillville Change Location
Behavioral health patterns in the US have shifted, and the STD rates in Lake County reflect the high numbers of STDs reported in the US in recent years. In a 2018 listing of Indiana Counties by STD counts and rates came to the following conclusions.
According to the report, chlamydia accounted for the highest number of STDs in Lake County with 2,881 cases. That represented a morbidity rate of 590.8 per 100,000 population. In 2014, the rate of infection was 403.1.
According to the report, the gonorrhea rate was 175.1, with a total of 854 new diagnoses in 2018. Compared to 2014, that was a 67% increase in the infection rate. Thirty-eight cases of syphilis were recorded, and the rate was 7.8.
The Indiana State Department of Health HIV Prevention Program targets lower STD rates by increasing public education and involvement in the fight against STDs and HIV. It partners with local clinics to offer consistent STD care.
Several STD testing clinics are available in Merrillville where you may get STD care. For example, the Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana, Inc., located on Broadway Street. Clients may receive both conventional and RAPID HIV testing, including HIV prevention information.
Additionally, you can go to the Planned Parenthood Medical Clinic situated on Connecticut Street. Here, you may receive professional STD testing, diagnoses, screening, and treatment services. It also provides womenโs health services.
Other clinics across Merrillville may offer free STD testing, but with some shortcomings: long waiting hours, and possible unavailability of consultation services.
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.
Community HealthNet Health Centers (CHN) is a non-profit organization that provides health care services to the Lake County community and is among the six health centers of CHN that have been operating since 1998. It has certified medical staff comprising of physicians, certified nurse midwives, pediatricians, and medical assistants who handle the needs of HIV patients with dignity and compassion.
Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana Incorporated is an all-volunteer HIV/AIDS organization founded in 1984. Its provides HIV prevention as well as awareness education and emotional support to people living with HIV/AIDS in Merrillville, IN and the neighboring regions. HIV testing services are also available at the organization.
The Women's Center of NW Indiana is located in Crown Point, Indiana, and is part of the five health clinics of the Women's Center of NW. The clinic offers medical services such as pregnancy testing, STD testing, and treatment to Merrillville locals and also residents from the surrounding regions. It also provides ultrasound, abortion education services as well as men health care.
Planned Parenthood - Merrillville Health Center is affiliated with the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The health center offers comprehensive sexual education and reproductive health services to residents in Merrillville town and the surrounding regions. It is also staffed with kind and compassionate medical practitioners who offer caring STD testing and treatment services.
Gary City Health and Human Services Department is a public health department that works to protect and improve the health of residents living in Lake, Porter, Newton, and Jasper Counties. The health department has an STD/HIV program that provides testing and treatment for HIV/STD infections. Additionally, it is well-staffed with qualified professionals and is also adequately equipped.
Midwest Express Clinic is an urgent care center that provides health care services to the Lake County community. The urgent care provides treatment for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries as well as lab testing, x-rays, injury, and wound care. It is staffed by nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and physicians capable of handling all urgent care needs of the patients, including STD testing.
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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: Social Service Organization. Close at 1pm the 4th Friday of each month
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Offer confidential sexually transmitted disease examinations and laboratory testing. Service area includes Lake, Porter, Newton and Jasper County. Services are provided at no cost. Free condoms available. There is a $10 administrative fee for Indiana residents and a $25 administrative fee for non-Indiana residents. Closed daily for lunch from 12noon-1pm. HIV testing: Mon-Thurs., 8:30am-11:30am and 1pm-4pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Health Department counsels, screens, and treats sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and provides testing for HIV by appointment to anyone 13 years of age or older. The service fee is $10. To make an appointment, call the office. Call for appointment availability
Description: Social Service Organization. Close at 2pm on the 4th Friday of each month
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. Free condoms available for East Chicago residents; for non-residents there is a $5/per 2 dozen box. Low cost STD testing.
Description: Only open every other Saturday. Call for dates
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Open the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 8am-4pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department, Health Department counsels, screens, and treats sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and provides testing for HIV by appointment to anyone 13 years of age or older. The fee is currently $10.
Description: New patients must meet with Intake Coordinator to determine eligibility for support programs and sliding fee scales. Please call or visit Web site for information required for first visits. Closed Mon.-Thurs. from 12noon-1pm
Description: Need to register as a patient. Also open every 2nd Saturday 8am-2pm
Description: Need to register as a patient. Open every 4th Saturday of each month from 8am-2pm
Top STD Testing Locations in Merrillville, IN
Primary Item (H2)Members of the public can access free HIV testing at the clinic. So, your age, gender, ethnicity, or color does not matter. HIV testing is free, but STD tests are available at a fee.
Community HealthNet Health Centers- Merrillville Health Center is associated with the National Association of Health Centers and is also a Federally Qualified Health Center. Moreover, it has partnered with other health organizations and community groups such as Kool Smiles to reach the larger population of Merrillville. The physicians on staff are also friendly and experience with HIV issues.
6100 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410, USA
Free and confidential testing is available and individuals may get the services at the health center despite their age or income levels.
Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana Incorporated assists patients without insurance access to health care services and also provides support services to HIV infected individuals such as housing support, transportation, case management, and support groups. Also, it provides nutritious meals to improve the health and well-being of the patients.
5261 Hohman Ave, Hammond, IN 46320, USA
Free STD testing services are available to women below 25 years. Females aged 25 years or older may access the services if they qualify.
The Women's Center of NW Indiana has more than 4 locations in Indiana, hence its services are accessible to the majority of the Merrillville residents. The clinic also has trained medical professionals who provide STD services with confidentiality in a safe environment.
1845 E Summit St, Crown Point, IN 46307, USA
The clinic is open to the general public including the LGBTQ community, young, old, and people of color. No one is denied treatment because of income levels, and uninsured patients can access healthcare services at a sliding fee scale. State-funded discounts are also available for low-income patients.
Planned Parenthood - Merrillville Health Center has decades of experience in providing sexual and reproductive health care services to the Merrillville community and is staffed by a professional medical team that provides confidential HIV/STI testing. It is also sufficiently equipped with modern facilities.
8645 Connecticut St, Merrillville, IN 46410, USA
HIV/STD services are available to all members of the public, and no one is denied services because of their current age or inability to pay.
The Gary City Health and Human Services Department has a qualified staff that includes health educators and nurses who provide sexual health education as well as confidential STD /HIV testing. Prevention services such as STD/HIV education are available during the outreach events and health fairs.
1145 W 5th Ave, Gary, IN 46402, USA
Patients visiting the facility can access health care services at the clinic and are not denied services based on their age, sexual orientation, or ability to pay.
Midwest Express Clinic provides extended clinical hours and is open seven days a week. It also has many locations, thus reaching a wider number of Merrillville community. Furthermore, the average waiting time at urgent care is less than 30 minutes, and self-paying patients may get discounted rates.
5521 Lincoln Hwy #1A, Crown Point, IN 46307, USA
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.