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Specific dates offered for Mountain Home and McCall clinics
CENTRAL DISTRICT HEALTH, Idaho − During the month of June, Central District Health (CDH) is encouraging people to prioritize their sexual health status by getting tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), also referred to as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Between June 1and June 30, CDH will offer free STI testing by appointment at its three clinics. In Boise, appointments will be available weekdays throughout the month of June; in Mountain Home, appointments are available Wednesday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 15; and in McCall, appointments are available on Tuesday, June 28.
“Testing for STIs is among one of the health care needs that many people put on the back burner because of the pandemic,” said Savannah Klinginsmith, Family Nurse Practitioner with CDH. “We really want to encourage people who can benefit from this free testing opportunity to make it a priority in June. Come in and talk with one of our clinicians and get tested for STIs.”
Who should get tested for STIs?
If you are sexually active, getting tested for STIs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once in their life. Additional testing may be recommended based on specific behaviors that can increase a person’s risk.
In 2020, 3,115 reports of sexually transmitted infections were reported within CDH’s jurisdiction of Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley Counties, with preliminary data showing just over 3,000 STIs in those four counties in 2021. While chlamydia and gonorrhea infections are seen most often in 15–29-year-olds, early syphilis and HIV infections affect a wider age range in Idaho. Currently, our area is seeing an unusual rise in syphilis cases, particularly among women, which makes this free testing even more important.
“Some sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea often do not have obvious symptoms and someone can easily spread the infection, and potentially experience lasting effects, like infertility, from an untreated infection. We want people who are having sex or considering it to take charge and ‘know now’ by getting tested,” added Klinginsmith. Most STIs are treatable or effective infection management exists.
The free appointments will include a visit with a CDH clinician and testing for STIs, which may include HIV, Hepatitis C (screening), trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and syphilis. All visits are confidential. Clients with insurance will have their insurance billed for any STI testing but will not have to pay out-of-pocket costs for such appointments in June. Concerns outside of STI testing will have a fee associated based on CDH’s sliding fee scale; clinicians can discuss this with patients during their visit.
Make an appointment in June
Appointments are required. In Ada County, call 208-327-7400; in Valley County, call 208-630-8002; and in Elmore County, call 208-587-4407. You can also find appointment details here.
About health care services at Central District Health
Through its clinics in Boise, McCall, and Mountain Home, CDH’s Family & Clinic Services provides affordable, primary care for children, adolescents, and adults, including mild to moderate chronic disease management, wellness/annual visits, sick visits, minor sutures, mental health care, immunizations, reproductive health care (including exams, STD testing, contraception), and more – all in a confidential, non-judgmental environment. All major insurance companies are accepted, including Medicaid, and CDH continues to offer a sliding fee payment scale. Click here for more information on Family & Clinic Services at CDH.
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Media Contact: Rachel Garceau, Public Information Officer
Office 208-327-8639 | Cell 208-871-1712 | rgarceau@cdh.idaho.gov
