Where to get an STD test in Philadelphia: A guide to sexual self care in the city
College students have the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health releases an annual report each year that provides an overview of the city’s diseases. They have specific reports on chlamydia and gonorrhea, along with a general STD report. The PDPH states that chlamydia is the most common type of STD in Philadelphia and is the highest among women and those aged between 15-19 years old.
The general report shows a chart of reported cases in the city from 1990-2016. The rates are calculated by every 100,000 people and include the different stages of syphilis: early latent, primary and secondary, total, and late and late latent.
The chart also shows the cases and rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the city. In 1990, the number of cases for total syphilis were 6,558 with a rate of 412.5, 19,554 cases with a rate of 1,230 for gonorrhea, and no recordings for chlamydia.
In 2016, the number of cases for total syphilis were 1,089 with a rate of 71.3, 6,967 cases with a rate of 456.6 for gonorrhea, and 19,992 cases with a rate of 1,310.1 for chlamydia.
While these statistics overall decreased since 1990, a comparison of the numbers from 2015 to 2016 shows they’ve increased with all the stages of syphilis, and chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
In October 2016, The Inquirer did an article on STD statistics in the United States. They noted that rates flew but not so much in Philadelphia. However, they also noted that for every 100,000 people there were 60 cases in Philadelphia which is a 31% growth since 2011.
For that reason, it is important for college students like ourselves to be conscious of our sexual health, especially if we are not practicing safe sex.
The Tab Temple compiled the list of places where students can find clinics providing either free or low expense STD testing and treatment in Philadelphia.
Mazzoni Center
"Mazzoni Center is the largest health care provider in the Philadelphia region specifically targeting the unique health care needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities"
“To provide quality comprehensive health and wellness services in an LGBTQ-focused environment, while preserving the dignity and improving the quality of life of the individuals we serve.” -Mission Statement
Washington West Project:
A Project of the Mazzoni Center
Free, walk-in HIV testing:
Free, walk-in STI screening
Phone:
215-985-9206
Hours:
Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 8:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00am to 12:00pm, 1:00 to 4:30 pm
Sunday: Closed
Address:
1201 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Social Media:
Facebook: @MazzoniCenter
Instagram: @mazzonicenter
Twitter: @MazzoniCenter
Philadelphia Health Center 1:
“Health Center 1 is the city's dedicated walk-in clinic for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Our services include free confidential HIV testing, counseling and referral. We also offer vaccines for Hepatitis (A and B) and HPV with STI screenings. In addition, we offer both Pre (PrEP) and Post (PEP) Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV. All services are provided free of charge on a first come first served basis.”
Phone:
215-685-6570
Hours:
Monday through Friday: 7:45 am – 4:00 pm
Monday through Wednesday: 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday through Sunday: closed
Address:
1400 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Website: www.phila.gov/health/diseasecontrol/hc1.html
Rising Sun Health Center
Flexible payment options to suit patient needs
The Rising Sun Health Center's services include: HIV prevention counseling and HIV case management service, Rapid HIV testing, STD counseling and testing."
"The Rising Sun Health Center, a program of Public Health Management Corporation, provides high-quality, affordable health care to patients of all ages. Staffed by nurse practitioners and other health professionals, the health center provides friendly, convenient care designed to meet patients' needs. Spanish-speaking staff are available." -Mission Statement
Phone:
215-279-9666
Hours:
Monday and Tuesday: 8:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Wednesday,Thursday and Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Address:
One & Olney Square 5675 North Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19120
Broad Street Health Center:
Free but if you don’t have insurance you have to co-pay
Phone:
215-235-7944
Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 8:30am-5:00pm
Friday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Address:
1415 N Broad St, #224, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Website: www.phmchealthnetwork.org/2013-09-17-02-29-05
Bebashi-Transition to Hope:
Free
"The first African-American organization in the United States to address the AIDS crisis. It remains one of Philadelphia's largest community-based minority providers of HIV/AIDS education and services for the urban community, and is a model for the provision of culturally specific education and services for other communities of color, serving more than 20,000 consumers annuall"
“To provide culturally sensitive health related information, direct services, education, research, and technical assistance to reduce and eliminate HIV/AIDS and other health disparities within the urban community of Philadelphia and vicinity." -Mission Statement
Phone:
215-769-3561
Hours:
Monday through Friday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 9:00am-8:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Address:
1235 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia PA 19123
Social Media:
Facebook: @bebashi
Instagram: @philly.bebashi
Twitter: @bebashi
Drexel STARRT Clinic:
Free HIV testing
"The prevention and control of infectious diseases is critical for protecting the health of any community. Infectious diseases are caused by microscopic organisms that invade the body's natural barriers and multiply to create symptoms that can range from mild to deadly."
Phone:
267-507-6679
Hours:
Monday through Friday: 9:00am-4:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Social Media:
Facebook: @DrexelMedicine
Twitter: @DrexelMedicine
Instagram: @drexelmedicine
Website: www.drexelmedicine.org/patient-services/infectious-diseases/
Address:
1427 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA, 19102
Website: www.drexelmedicine.org/patient-services/infectious-diseases/
Planned Parenthood:
If you are under 17 testing is free but over 17 you fill a form and PP bases it off your income.
"Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide"
“Planned Parenthood believes in the fundamental right of each individual, throughout the world, to manage his or her fertility, regardless of the individual's income, marital status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or residence.” -Mission Statement
Locust Street Surgical Center:
Phone:
215-351-5550
Hours:
Sunday through Tuesday: closed
Wednesday through Saturday: 9:15am-4:00pm
Address:
1144 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Website: www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/pennsylvania/philadelphi/19107/locust-street-surgical-center-3360-91460
The Elizabeth Blackwell Center at Locust Street:
Phone:
215-351-5560
Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 7:30am-7:00pm
Friday: 7:30am-4:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am-4:00pm
Sunday: closed
Address:
1144 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Social Media:
Facebook: @PlannedParenthoodSEPA
Instagram: @ppspphotos
Website: www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/pennsylvania/philadelphia/19107/-the-elizabeth-blackwell-center-at-locust-street