Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
The Atlantic community of Merritt Island in Florida is home to both the Kennedy Space Center and the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. However, while the wildlife of this community on Florida’s largest island is being protected, the people of this area are at growing risk. STDs and HIV are both on the rise in this area.
In fact, during the five-year period from 2014 to 2018, Merritt Island and the surrounding Brevard County saw a 6.8% increase in STD prevalence rates and a 16.7% increase in those of HIV. These numbers are in excess of the increase realized by Florida as a whole during this period, which was 4% for STDs and 3.7% for HIV.
Moreover, the upswing continued into 2019. The first half of this year showed a 12.1% rise in the STD prevalence rate in Merritt Island while Florida saw only a 2.6% increase during that time.
Our community looks beautiful on the outside, but on the inside, we are rotting away from the spread of these diseases.
Those living in the area of Merritt Island have a few options for STD and HIV testing and resources. These options are slim on the public arena.
They include the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County. It operates the Viera Clinic on Judge Fran Jamieson Way in Viera and may offer these types of screenings.
Planned Parenthood has two clinics within 50 miles of Merritt Island, East Orlando Health Center and Kissimmee Health Center. Each is located in their respective cities and might provide HIV and STD testing services.
Some health centers offer free STD testing. This may sound like a great idea, but it is often less than expected. Doctor consultations may not be available or might cost a fee. In addition, wait times may be long and results may not be available immediately.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2Â provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.Â
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.Â
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.Â
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.Â
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Order a home-test kit onlineThe test takes just 5 minutes and then mail in your sampleReceive your lab results in 2 to 5 daysFDA approved technologyEnjoy free shipping
Project Response Testing & Treatment Center was established in 1990 and provides health care services to people living with HIV/AIDS. In 2017, it opened a treatment center for other STD screening services and treatment. The facility links patients to medical care through their case management programs, mental health counseling, and support groups.
East Orlando Health Centre of Orlando, FL, works towards ensuring that all persons have equal rights, privacy, and dignity to access reproductive health care services. The health center provides confidential sexual health services as well as abortion services, general health care and birth control services. It also educates and protects the confidentiality of all individuals seeking reproductive health care services.
Brevard County Health Department is responsible for the control of STDs through testing, treatment, and educational services. The facility has a Health Education and Risk Reduction Program that provides information on STDs through a graphical presentation that shows signs and symptoms of the disease. It also hosts discussion topics including testing procedures and counseling services as well as safe sex practices.
One of the missions of the Brevard County Health Department is to reduce HIV/AIDS transmissions through HIV prevention programs and testing. The facility provides testing and counseling on an anonymous basis, and the patient is required to return to the clinic in two weeks for the results and post-testing counseling. The health department is responsible for HIV/AIDS surveillance.
Orlando & St. Cloud Family Medicine provides comprehensive health care services to patients of all ages. The facility has two convenient locations that provide acute and chronic disease treatment, prevention and wellness, auto accident care and STDs screening and treatment services. Its medical staff comprises of registered nurses, osteopathic physicians, and medical physicians
DOCCS Urgent & Primary Health Care specializes in family and internal medicine. The founding partners Dr.Sahay and Dr.Moss have 50 years of combined experience. Some of the services provided include primary care, wellness program, UTI and STDs testing.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: 2nd and 4th Fridays HIV/HepC hours: Fri., 8am-5pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: HIV/HepC hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8am-5pm
Description: AIDS Service Organization. Closed from 12noon-1pm
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Condoms available for free. Teen Clinic: Tues., Thurs., 1pm-5pm
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available.
Description: 1st and 3rd Fridays HIV/HepC hours: 8am-5pm
You need to fil in a new patient form as well as proof of financial status and county residence before acquiring medical services from the facility. Any individual may access health care services, and there are no age, gender or sexual orientation limits. Insured individuals may be eligible for treatment, while uninsured individuals may qualify for treatment on a sliding fee scale.
The clinic is has a dedicated team of health care professionals who offer STD screening services. Additionally, it has advanced laboratory equipment that provides fast and accurate test results. It also has PrEP services available and emergency contraception pills as well as weekly support and educational services.
747 S Apollo Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA
It accepts major insurance plans; therefore, insured individuals are eligible for treatment. Uninsured individuals may qualify for treatment on a sliding fee scale. The health facility provides health care services to all persons regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation or age.
The Health Center has a skilled medical professional who provides STD screening services. It also offers breast and cervical cancer screening as well as emergency contraception pills. It also has a shop for its visitors.
11500 University Blvd Suite B, Orlando, FL 32817, USA
The facility has no restrictions on providing medical services in terms of age, sex or gender. Individuals with insurances also qualify. Uninsured individuals may be eligible for treatment on a sliding fee scale.
The health facility has experienced professionals who are proficient in providing confidential STD testing and treatment. Additionally, it has free condoms as well as community outreach programs that promote health awareness. The facility also has a women, infants, and children program that provides women with nutrition education and healthy foods for free.
2565 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Melbourne, FL 32940, USA
There is no discrimination in receiving medical treatment from the facility despite gender, age or sexual orientation. Insured individuals may be eligible for treatment services. However, uninsured HIV positive persons may be eligible for Project AID Care Program which ensures infected persons are covered at low costs.
The health care facility has skilled health care providers entrusted in offering confidential HIV tests. Additionally, it has Housing Opportunities for HIV positive patients and AIDS Drug Assistance Program.
2565 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Melbourne, FL 32940, USA
The clinic welcomes all persons despite their biological sex, age or ethnic background. New patients may be required to fill a new patient and medical history form. Major insurance plans are accepted. Uninsured individuals may be eligible for treatment on discounted prices.
The facility’s laboratory is equipped with advanced medical equipment to provide quick and accurate STD test results. Additionally, their compassionate medical teams provide STD testing services in a non-judgmental environment.
3107 13th St, St Cloud, FL 34769, USA
You are required to fill in a new patient registration form prior to the visit. The facility accepts major insurance plans as well as personal checks and Master Card and Visa for self-pay. There are no gender, age, and race or ethnicity background limitations to accessing health care services.
The health care center is sufficiently equipped with quality on-site labs to provide comprehensive STD testing. Additionally, it has a professional medical team that offers confidential STD screening services while upholding confidentiality with clients’ information.
2100 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935, USA
Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts.
