Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
In the county of Palm Beach, there are currently over 7,800 people living with HIV and in 2015 alone more than 300 people were given a positive HIV diagnosis. Those most at risk of being infected with HIV in Palm Beach County are males who are sexually active.
Approximately 100 people are diagnosed with Syphilis and 4,486 people are diagnosed with Chlamydia every year in Palm Beach County. These concerning statistics suggest that Sunshine Parkway is a high-risk area.
Health officials in Palm Beach County and Sunshine Parkway suggest that sexually active and high-risk residents seek regular HIV and STD tests in order to remain healthy.
South Flordia has the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the United States. This has led health officials in Palm Beach County and Sunshine Parkway to lower the cost of STD testing in the area and provide free testing for high-risk demographics such as offenders in juvenile detention facilities. These initiatives aim to prevent the spread of HIV and STDs and help residents afford the medical fees at testing clinics.
Receiving treatment for STDs is becoming much more affordable and accessible for residents in Sunshine Parkway. Therefore, public testing centers in the area are urging residents to seek regular STD tests. Free STD testing is available at some public clinics, although many locations have specific income requirements.
Sunshine Parkway has a number of clinics that you can choose from for your STD test including Community Health Centers Incorporated (Tavares Child/Adult Medical and Dental Care) and Community Health Centers Incorporated (Leesburg Health Center).
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
Residents know that when they need immediate health care that Midway Specialty Care Center Okeechobee is there for them. As long as the problem is non life threatening. They are a nationwide organization, which also allows them to hire some of the best in medical care.
Testing is done by a technician that is qualified. They do work with a lab so you can expect results back sooner than at other urgency care centers.
Residents know that when they need immediate health care that Florida Department of Health in Okeechobee County is there for them. As long as the problem is non life threatening. They are a nationwide organization, which also allows them to hire some of the best in medical care.
Testing is done by a technician that is qualified. They do work with a lab so you can expect results back sooner than at other urgency care centers.
Residents know that when they need immediate health care that Florida Department of Health in Indian River County (Main Health Department Site) is there for them. As long as the problem is non life threatening. They are a nationwide organization, which also allows them to hire some of the best in medical care.
Testing is done by a technician that is qualified. They do work with a lab so you can expect results back sooner than at other urgency care centers.
Residents know that when they need immediate health care that Treasure Coast Community Health (Downtown Health Center)is there for them. As long as the problem is non life threatening. They are a nationwide organization, which also allows them to hire some of the best in medical care.
Testing is done by a technician that is qualified. They do work with a lab so you can expect results back sooner than at other urgency care centers.
Residents know that when they need immediate health care that Treasure Coast Community Health (North Indian River County)is there for them. As long as the problem is non life threatening. They are a nationwide organization, which also allows them to hire some of the best in medical care.
Testing is done by a technician that is qualified. They do work with a lab so you can expect results back sooner than at other urgency care centers.
Residents know that when they need immediate health care that Treasure Coast Community Health (South Indian River County Medical and Dental Office) is there for them. As long as the problem is non life threatening. They are a nationwide organization, which also allows them to hire some of the best in medical care.
Testing is done by a technician that is qualified. They do work with a lab so you can expect results back sooner than at other urgency care centers.
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: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: AIDS Service Organization.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Must be HIV positve for case management services. Once month a Nurse Practitioner offers Behavioral Intervention Services. Metro provides free HIV testing an its other locations, call 813-232-3808. Every 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday of the month open 8:30am-7pm
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: Social Service Organization.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available. Please note that some programs have specific hours of operation other than general business hours
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. STD Clinic: Walk-in The process is a first come, first serve basis. 13 years of age and over. HIV Services provided at different location - contact (813) 307-8064; TB Services are provided at a different location - contact (813) 307-8047; Immunization Services are provided at a different location - contact (813) 307-8077. The clinic closes every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 12noon-4:30pm
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Free condoms available.
Description: AIDS Service Organization. Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Description: Community Based Organization.
Even the parkway covers over 300 miles across the state, this is no reason for STD rates to be increasing at such an alarming rate. According to statistics gathered over that past twenty years, this area has been seeing a steady increase in the number of sexually reported diseases each year.
While some areas are higher than others, there is no denying that sexually transmitted diseases are a large health problem for all residents.
It is not only Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infections that are one the rise, the statistics show that the number of Syphilis incidents is also increasing. Twenty years ago health professionals believed that they had this potentially deadly sexually transmitted disease under control, but according to recent data it is on the rise in young and older adults.
This is what is surprising to many area officials who mistakenly believed that STDs only occur in teens and young adults. Now that older residents are also testing positive more often, it is even harder to ignore the growing health problem. Until everyone understands how important it is for their continued good health to get tested regularly, this large area of the state will continue to see high STD rates.
Some of the statistics that indicate STD rates are on the rise include,
This is a walk in clinic so you might have to wait. Unfortunately this also applies to minors that are allowed to come in without a parent. Sometimes the wait can be long. Payment is also due upon receipt of services.
Midway Specialty Care Center Okeechobee has built a reputation for providing quality care. They are open 6 days a week and have extended evening hours to make it easier for everyone to come in.
Appointments are not necessary, though this can mean that you will spend a lot of your day here. Located in Citrus Park, you also have transportation options.
113 NE 19th Dr, Okeechobee, FL 34972, USA
This is a walk in clinic so you might have to wait. Unfortunately this also applies to minors that are allowed to come in without a parent. Sometimes the wait can be long. Payment is also due upon receipt of services.
Florida Department of Health in Okeechobee County has built a reputation for providing quality care. They are open 6 days a week and have extended evening hours to make it easier for everyone to come in.
Appointments are not necessary, though this can mean that you will spend a lot of your day here. Located in Citrus Park, you also have transportation options.
1728 NW 9th Ave, Okeechobee, FL 34972, USA
This is a walk in clinic so you might have to wait. Unfortunately this also applies to minors that are allowed to come in without a parent. Sometimes the wait can be long. Payment is also due upon receipt of services.
Florida Department of Health in Indian River County (Main Health Department Site) has built a reputation for providing quality care. They are open 6 days a week and have extended evening hours to make it easier for everyone to come in.
Appointments are not necessary, though this can mean that you will spend a lot of your day here. Located in Citrus Park, you also have transportation options.
1900 27th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960, USA
This is a walk in clinic so you might have to wait. Unfortunately this also applies to minors that are allowed to come in without a parent. Sometimes the wait can be long. Payment is also due upon receipt of services.
Treasure Coast Community Health (Downtown Health Center) has built a reputation for providing quality care. They are open 6 days a week and have extended evening hours to make it easier for everyone to come in.
Appointments are not necessary, though this can mean that you will spend a lot of your day here. Located in Citrus Park, you also have transportation options.
44 N Pine St, Fellsmere, FL 32948, USA
This is a walk in clinic so you might have to wait. Unfortunately this also applies to minors that are allowed to come in without a parent. Sometimes the wait can be long. Payment is also due upon receipt of services.
Treasure Coast Community Health (North Indian River County)has built a reputation for providing quality care. They are open 6 days a week and have extended evening hours to make it easier for everyone to come in.
Appointments are not necessary, though this can mean that you will spend a lot of your day here. Located in Citrus Park, you also have transportation options.
12196 Co Rd 512, Fellsmere, FL 32948, USA
This is a walk in clinic so you might have to wait. Unfortunately this also applies to minors that are allowed to come in without a parent. Sometimes the wait can be long. Payment is also due upon receipt of services.
Treasure Coast Community Health (South Indian River County Medical and Dental Office) has built a reputation for providing quality care. They are open 6 days a week and have extended evening hours to make it easier for everyone to come in.
Appointments are not necessary, though this can mean that you will spend a lot of your day here. Located in Citrus Park, you also have transportation options.
1545 9th St SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
 In order to combat the rising number of sexually transmitted diseases reported each year, some public schools in the area are opting to implement comprehensive and medically accurate classes that discuss this growing health problem. While only a few counties have rejected the abstinence only program recommended and financed by the federal government, health officials are beginning to notice a slight decrease in the number of STDs reported among teens and young adults.
Studies have shown that sexual education classes are the most effective method of preventing the spread of STDs. Not only do these classes cover the various changes the body goes through during puberty, it also discusses STDs and all of the ways these diseases can be spread. The comprehensive programs also deal with the use of contraceptives, and how important it is to practice safe sexual habits.
While not all parents are in favor of these comprehensive programs, there is no denying the fact that this seems to be one of the most effective methods of preventing the spread of STDs. It is still important for students to have regular Herpes testing along the Sunshine Parkway, especially if they want to stop the spread of the virus in area high schools. Regular HIV testing along the Sunshine Parkway is also vital for continue good health, and the simple procedure is quick and relatively painless.
Since the parkway covers such a large area there are several demographical factors that are affecting the STD rates. The diverse population spread out over several counties is making it difficult for health officials to reach everyone, and there is also a problem with occasional language barriers.
With several school districts using different sexual education programs it is hard to ensure teens and young adults are getting the information they need to protect themselves from STDs, and this includes discussions concerning the importance of regular testing.
Strong conservative and religious beliefs are also contributing to the problem, along with several common misconceptions regarding STDs. Shame and embarrassment can make it difficult for some residents to admit that they might be infected, and this is thought to be one of the reasons for the high STD rate among Hispanic and African American men.
A resurgence in intravenous drug use, especially among older men, is causing Syphilis and other STD rates to rise. Drug use and other risky behavior is also thought to be responsible for the growing number of men and women who are testing positive for more than one sexually transmitted disease at a time.
Until everyone understands the risks associated with not getting tested on a regular basis the number of sexually transmitted diseases will continue to rise in this part of the state.
With miles of scenic countryside and coastline to explore it is easy to forget that the number of sexually transmitted diseases reported is rising each year, and that it is important to get tested regularly to protect yourself and others. While there are several neighborhood clinics along the parkway, many people choose to avoid the long lines and the embarrassing possibility of running into a familiar face and put off getting tested for another day. Now you can easily schedule confidential STD testing with one simple phone call and only spend 20 minutes or so at a local lab, which still leaves you plenty of time to explore all of the cities along the parkway.
Reference:
http://www.siecus.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Feature.showFeature&featureid=2314&parentid=478
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article1977993.html
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.
