Members of the Grand Rapids community participating in free STI testing during Awareness Week.
Grand Rapids is celebrating STI Awareness Week from April 13 to April 19, with the Kent County Health Department offering free walk-in STI testing. The initiative aims to break the stigma surrounding STIs, especially as syphilis cases rise alarmingly in the community. Health officials emphasize the importance of routine testing, particularly for those sexually active or using injection equipment. With mobile testing locations available and collaboration with local health organizations, the initiative makes it easier for residents to prioritize their sexual health during this crucial week.
Hey, Grand Rapids! Are you aware that this week marks STI Awareness Week? From April 13 to April 19, the Kent County Health Department is rolling out a fantastic initiative aimed at getting everyone on board with routine testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The best part? They’ve made it super easy by offering free walk-in testing!
The whole idea behind this initiative is to break the stigma surrounding STIs and improve community health. It’s an unfortunate reality that STIs affect millions of people across the nation every year. Many of these infections are actually preventable with proper protection and regular testing. Yet, shocking as it may sound, some STIs can fly under the radar since they often have little to no symptoms at all!
One particular concern is the alarming rise in syphilis cases. Locally, infections have jumped from just 9 cases in 2014 to a whopping 69 in 2023! Even more concerning is the trend of increasing syphilis cases among women statewide, showing a significant rise from 7% in 2014 to 21% in 2023. If left untreated, STIs such as syphilis can lead to serious health problems like infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and an increased risk of HIV transmission.
Health officials are stressing the importance of routine STI testing, especially for sexually active individuals and those sharing injection equipment. Studies show that approximately 1 in 5 people will have a sexually transmitted infection at some point in their lives. With about 1,100 individuals in Kent County already being diagnosed with HIV, many of them unaware of their status, it’s crucial for everyone to stay informed.
The Kent County Health Department isn’t going solo on this one! They’ve teamed up with the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute to tackle communicable diseases, specifically focusing on HIV and STIs. This collaboration means they’ve set up an exciting mobile testing site right in the Heartside community!
Want to get tested? On Tuesday, you can swing by the mobile testing location at the corner of Commerce Avenue and Williams Street, just around the corner from Mel Trotter Ministries. They’ll be there from 1 to 4 p.m. offering free HIV and STI testing, making it super convenient for everyone to get checked!
It’s essential to remember that STIs disproportionately affect younger individuals, especially those aged 15 to 24. In fact, the Kent County Health Department noted that gonorrhea cases have nearly doubled since 2012! Additionally, they’ve seen alarming increases in congenital syphilis, which underscores the urgency to get tested.
For those wondering what kind of testing is available, the Kent County STI clinic on Fuller Avenue has got you covered! Testing includes screening for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis C, and even PrEP for those at risk for HIV. They cater to individuals aged 13 and older, including minors looking to get tested without needing parental permission.
The health department is working hard to make testing accessible for everyone by reaching out to various community locations and offering focused services. If you’re interested in getting tested, be sure to visit the Kent County STI clinic at 700 Fuller Avenue NE in Grand Rapids. You can also call 616-632-7171 to schedule your appointment for free STI testing!
So, Grand Rapids, take this opportunity to prioritize your health and well-being. Don’t hesitate; get tested this STI Awareness Week!
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