Preferred Location: 1500 North 28th Street Richmond,VA 23223 Church Hill Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1500 North 28th Street Richmond,VA 23223 Church Hill Change Location
The number of sexually transmitted diseases is rising across this independent city.
To help combat the growing STD rates, the Virginia Department of Health has community partners to help assess and promote healthy living. Services are also being offered to those who are uninsured or underinsured.
For the fourth year in a row rates of STDs have increased across the county. Not only have the rates been increasing โ with gonorrhea up 67% and syphilis increased by 76%, for example โ the associated health risks are increasing. Gonorrhea cases are beginning to show a resistance to antibiotics.
Syphilis, a disease that was rare two decades ago, is seeing a resurgence and is particularly harmful to pregnant women because in congenital syphilis it can lead to infant deaths. Chlamydia remains the most commonly contracted STD, with reports showing over 1.5 million cases diagnosed. Without proper and timely treatment, many of these diseases can lead to long-term health damages.
Richmond offersย many public and private std testing options for those who make their sexual health a priority. Free STD testing is one but fees may still apply that are not covered by insurance.
Richmond City Health District is located on East Main Street and the Minority Health Consortium Incorporated can be found on East Clay Street. From the Daily Planet on West Grace Street to the Capital Area Health Network on North 25th Street, a quick search will help you find a testing center.
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.
Cross Over Ministry provides healthcare to anyone in the community, patients' religious affiliations do not play a role in how they are treated. They have a dental and vision clinic. They also offer screenings for HIV.
Doctors do practice out of the clinic, you might not be able to see one until your results are back. This only takes a few minutes.
Opened in 1983, the Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) focuses mainly on women that might be or are pregnant. They do not perform any medical procedures, other than ultrasounds. They are mainly a counseling center that also has testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
The screening is done by a technician and results should be back from the lab in a few days.
In 1970, The Fan Free Clinic opened. It is now known as the Health Brigade and has the distinction of being the first free health clinic in the state. The clinic has stayed true to its original mission to provide healthcare to all. Call 804-358-6343 X1145
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has several departments. One of these concentrates solely on infectious diseases. It is a research and treatment center so you can expect outstanding care, whether you are there for screening or treatment.
Tests usually take a few days to come in. You will be notified as soon as the clinic receives them.
Planned Parenthood is a long time leader in sexual health treatment and research. At this clinic they continue this tradition. They have the latest in medical equipment and a staff that includes physicians.
Along with conventional STD screenings, they also offer rapid HIV testing. This dramatically shortens your wait time to minutes instead of days.
VDH, the Virginia Department of Health, provides several basic health services to those living in the state. One of their goals is to reduce the spread of infections commonly contracted through unprotected sex.
Testing is available for STIs throughout the week. A technician will perform the test and a counselor will be with you before the test and when you are back for results.
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. STI testing hours: Mon., Wed., 8am-12noon and 1pm-5pm; Fri., 8am-12noon. Patient Care Services is located at the 400 E. Cary Street at Richmond City Health District headquarters. The entrance to the STD Clinic is 401 E. Main Street (STD Clinic)
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. The HIV Self-Test (at home) is a mail based program
Description: Community Based Organization. Free, Confidential Rapid testing. Hispanic non English speaking persons are encouraged to make appointments for testing.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Provide services for the uninsured and homeless clients. HIV testing is available on the first and third Monday of each month from 1pmโ3pm on a walk-in basis only. This service is provided free of charge at the West Grace Health Center. Please call for information. Closed for lunch 12noon-1pm. Call for HIV testing information and schedule. After-hours service available. 24/7 coverage. Call (804) 783-2505. Please follow the prompts
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
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: Walk-in welcome 9am-4pm
Description: Community Based Organization. Walk-in testing: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30am-3:30pm; Fri., 8:30am-12noon. Calling ahead to make an appointment is encouraged. Also run clinics for after-hours testing. Please call for more information
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Community Based Organization. PrEP for free regardless of insurance status. Please call 804-358-6343 x 102 to schedule a free and confidential HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia test. All HIV/STI testing is by appointment only. All services are by appointment only. Closed 12pm-1pm
Description: Social Service Organization.
Description: Closed for lunch 12noon-1pm. After-hours service available. 24/7 coverage. Call (804) 783-2505. Please follow the prompts
The historic city of Richmond is currently seeing a spike in STD rates. In the first quarter of 2015 the city had the dubious distinction of ranking in the top ten cities for its high rate of STDs. With an estimated rate of 1544.39 cases per 100,000 residents the city is currently ranked 7th, and health officials expect these numbers to continue to rise.
The recent data only emphasizes the growing concern that residents are not taking their sexual health seriously, and with STDs numbers continuing to rise city leaders are struggling to find a way to curb the spread of the transmittable diseases.
One of the best ways to slow down the spread of STDs is by getingt tested regularly, but health officials are finding it difficult to get this important information out.
In 2013 Richmond reported a HIV/AIDS rate of 1,162 per 100,000 residents which puts the southern capital among the top twenty cities in the nation.
Some of the other recently released statistics that is causing concern among city health officials includes;
Top STD Testing Locations in Richmond, VA
Primary Item (H2)You do not need to be a patient to drop in for free rapid HIV testing. Come in when the clinic is open. The only requirement is that you need to be 14 or older.
Cross Over Ministry is a religious healthcare clinic. They also screen and treat HIV/AIDS without discrimination. Services are free for anyone that cannot afford to pay. This can include dental and vision, along with other basic primary medical care.
108 Cowardin Ave, Richmond, VA 23224, USA
Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea is free. There are only two requirements. You must be 14 or older. You also need an appointment for testing.
Pregnancy Resource Center is mainly a clinic where expectant women can go for ultrasounds or counseling. They also have free STI testing but it is limited. They can only screen for two of them.
The clinic does have some evening hours, which is convenient. Testing is also free with very little wait time once you are there.
1510 Willow Lawn Dr, Richmond, VA 23230, USA
Patients are only seen by a physician or assistant with an appointment. This is done by calling the center. If you are without insurance, testing is free. If you are able to donations are appreciated. It is how the center continues to provide medical care.
The Health Brigade might have started as a small free clinic, but it has gone in the last 50 years. They provide services that are needed throughout the community, including screening for STDs. Services are free, just be sure that you call before coming in.
1010 N Thompson St, Richmond, VA 23230, USA
The first step is to get an appointment. They are open 5 days a week. There is a fee for the tests, campus students may qualify for a discount or find that regular testing is covered under their school admission fee. Your guidance counselor or the clinic can answer these questions for you.
VCU is a great option for university students, faculty and others that live by or are affiliated in some capacity with the school. Some of them may find that the fees are already covered or that they are eligible for reduced costs.
1200 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
The health center does ask that you schedule an appointment in advance. This can be doen online or by calling. Insurance often covers the cost of the test. If you do not have any, call the clinic and ask them about any payment plans or sliding scale fees they might have.
Planned Parenthood has created a place where you can go for testing, without feeling judged. The staff is able to answer your questions and provide counseling when needed.
Along with their sexual health services, they also have PrEP. If you recently had an "HIV scare" this treatment might be something you want to consider.
201 N Hamilton St, Richmond, VA 23221, USA
Fees for STI screenings are income based. Some residents might not be charged. This often includes minors that are still to young to work. Minors do need to be 14 to come in for their appointment by themselves.
VDH mission statement includes their goal of becoming the healthiest state in the country. It is a loft goal but they are trying to meet it one patient at a time. Once you have an appointment, you will usually be in that or the next day. Since costs are income based, you don't have to worry about being turned away.
400 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
One of the best methods of stopping the spread of STDs is to educated students and parents, but unfortunately the city of Richmond does not have a comprehensive sexual education program in place in its public school system.
Like many other cities in the South, it relies on the federally sponsored abstinence only program to help curb the growing number of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. While abstinence will prevent teen pregnancies, it will not completely stop the spread of all sexually transmitted diseases.
Some viral infections can be easily transmitted through casual contact, and not all STDs immediately display noticeable symptoms making it easier to spread the diseases to friends and loved ones. Without comprehensive sexual education in place in the classrooms, most students will never know that they could be potentially at risk.
Regular Herpes testing in Richmond is important, especially for students who generally find themselves at a greater risk of contracting the disease simply by being in school.
Regular HIV testing in Richmond is also vital to your continued good health.
Demographics have always played a key role in a cityโs STD rates, and this is certainly true in this old southern city. The line between influential and lower income neighborhoods is sharply defined, and the recent statistics show that this is reflected in the areaโs STD rates.
The number of community health centers in the cityโs lower income neighborhoods is making it difficult for residents to get tested regularly, along with an inability to pay. Budget cuts has left these neighborhoods without close and affordable health care, which is also contributing to the problem.
Many of the cityโs African American residents are also testing positive for an STD more often, and much of this is blamed on a lack of education. Without comprehensive sexual education programs in the classrooms, many residents do not realize the dangers associated with unprotected sex. The lack of education is also making it difficult for city health care workers to stress the importance of spending the money on regular STD testing.
It is not only lower income residents who are affected by the growing number of STDs, but Caucasian men are also seeing an increase in Syphilis diagnoses. Much of this is blamed on an increase in intravenous drug use, and without regular testing this devastating disease will continue to spread.
The shame and embarrassment many residents feel if they test positive for a viral infection. Until there is a comprehensive sexual education program in place, these factors will continue to influence the cityโs high STD rate.
Before you tour one of the many historic sites around the city take a few minutes for your sexual health. While there are several community centers around the city, the long lines and fear of running into a familiar face has many residents hoping that there is another alternative. You can schedule confidential STD testing and only spend a few minutes at the local lab, before enjoing all of the museums and shops located in and around Richmond.
http://www.nbc12.com/story/24476061/richmond-hiv-rate-among-highest-in-nation
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.