About...

The Sexual Health Program offers a range of quality services, including prevention education, testing, diagnosis, treatment and control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), to help improve sexual health in Columbus.

The Sexual Health Clinic recommends STD and/or HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) testing for anyone who:

• Has had oral, anal, or vaginal sex and did not use latex condoms or barriers
• Shares needles to inject drugs or has sex with someone who does
• Feels he/she may have been exposed to, or has signs of, an STD or HIV

Program Services

1. Sexual Health Clinic – The walk-in clinic offers:

• STD exams, tests, and treatment – Diagnosis and treatment are available for STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, trichomoniasis, and genital warts.  The clinic has an on-site lab which provides clients with some of their test results while they wait.  This allows for same-day treatment.  The clinic staff provides information about STDs and ways to prevent infections.  Staff can link clients to other community resources such as medical follow-up, social services, and crisis intervention.
• HIV Education and testing – Confidential and anonymous testing for HIV infection are offered at the clinic.  Confidential means that the person testing must provide his or her name prior to testing.  Test results will be part of the medical chart.  Persons needing a copy of their results must test confidentially and bring ID.  Anonymous testing means that the person testing is identified only by a number, not by name.  There will be no record of test results. 

  2. Support Services

• HIV Early Intervention Case Manager – a licensed social worker who assists people who have tested positive for HIV.  The social worker provides support, counseling, and HIV education.  Referrals can be made for services such as medical care, support groups, counselors, and legal and financial aid.
• Partner Notification – involves the notification of sex partners who have been exposed to Syphilis or HIV.  Specially trained Disease Intervention Specialists are available to assist clients, and will, by law, keep the client's identity anonymous.

 3.  Education and Prevention

• Educational Programming – Program staff provide HIV and STD education to individuals and/or organizations upon request.  Educational programs are developed around the specific needs of the organization requesting services.
• Programming for Minority and other communities – The program coordinator for Minority communities works with other community organizations and ensures programs and services are accessible and culturally sensitive.

How To Use The Program

The clinic operates on a walk-in basis only.  No appointments can be made.  The exams are on a first come, first serve basis and once slots fill up, the clinic is closed for the day. 

Cost

A minimal charge is requested to help cover costs.  HIV testing with OraQuick is free.  Payment for services can be made through 3rd party payers such as Medicare, Medicaid, Caresource, and United Health Care.

Location

The Sexual Health walk-in Clinic is located on the 2nd floor of Columbus Public Health.  Services are also available at many other locations.  Please call 645-7772 for additional information.

Hours

Please Note: On May 15, 2008 (Thursday), the Sexual Health Clinic will be closed.

Sexual Health Clinic hours:

Monday 7:15am-3:30pm
Tuesday 10:45am-7:00pm
Wednesday 7:15am-10:30am
Thursday  7:15am-3:30pm
Friday 7:15am-3:30pm

Program Publications

Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) 2007 Request for Proposals

Resources and Links

 for resources to assist parents of teens.  

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

The Ohio Department of Health has information on HIV and STD Prevention.

Visit Columbus' Syphilis Elimination website.