Local clinic aims to break barriers against sexual health
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are on the rise across the south.
In Georgia, Richmond County is in the top five for most reported cases, according to the CDC.
Now, one clinic is looking to change the misconception about sexual health.
The STI numbers in the CSRA are staggering.
According to a CDC study this year, Augusta ranks within the top 25 cities in the U.S. with the highest STI rates.
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As of 2021, South Carolina was amongst the top 15 states with the most reported cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Health professionals say there are many factors that contribute to the high numbers — insurance conflicts, not knowing you need to get tested, and most importantly the stigma surrounding STIs.
Grayson Ross is the sexual health program manager for Rural Health Services, and he says his hope is that this clinic will help break the barrier and encourage people to get tested regularly.
The clinic says people who don’t have insurance will only have to contribute a certain amount based on their income.
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For years, some Georgians have had to drive hours to get their hands on the medicine they’ve been prescribed. Now, access to the drug is as easy as going to a local pharmacist.
And they plan to offer free testing again for special occasions and when they are out in the community.
“We’ve already had a really great reception from the community. People have been jumping out the opportunity to get tested for low cost,” said Ross.
So, where else can people go if they need to get tested?
The health departments in South Carolina and Georgia are both good resources, and Rural Health Services has other locations in Aiken and Beech Island.
They offer low-cost medication and say they are there to help guide you in every step of treatment.
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