Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Valdosta, Georgia ranks as the 87th most sexually diseased city nationwide. Present numbers have reached a disease rate of 880 cases of sexually transmitted diseases per 100,000 residents. This meant there were, within a one year time span, 1,008 new cases of STDs diagnosed in the city of Valdosta.
So not only does the state of Georgia sit in a hotbed of STD transmission, the city’s disease rate outpaces both national and statewide averages.
Valdosta has many choices, from the Georgia Department of Public Health on South Patterson Street to the Behavioral Health Services of South Georgia on North Oak Street, and many more.
Many locations host testing and educational events for STD awareness campaigns, including the month of April, which is the nationally recognized STD Awareness Month, and on December 1st, which is World AIDS Day. Free STD testing is an option for those that qualify. Long term infection can lead to serious health consequences that include infertility, bodily infections, and life-threatening conditions.
Fortunately, most sexually transmitted diseases are easily cured with early diagnosis and proper treatment, which is why regular testing is so important.
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
Legacy Behavioral Health Services is an agency located in southern Georgia that provides health services surrounding mental health, substance abuse, intellectually and developmentally disabled people, and other prompt care services for families and individuals. This health agency believes in prevention, intervention, treatment, and education to treat their patients. Their support and care are used to help people within ten counties across Georgia.
The Lowndes County Health Department is owned and operated by the Georgia Department of Public Health, South Health District. This health department is one of the 10 health departments that is within the South Health District. The Lowndes County Health Department's mission to help protect, improve, and maintain the health and well-being off all people who reside in Lowndes County. This health department provides general nursing services, health education, family planning services, an infectious disease program, travel immunizations, and much more.
The Brooks County Health Department is another one of the ten-county health departments that is within the South Health District. This health department provides healthcare services in order to help and protect all people living and working in Brooks County. Each healthcare service has a goal of helping individuals and/or families health so the person or persons are able to improve and live longer.
The Echols County Health Department is owned and operated by the Georgia Department of Public Health. This health department aims to help protect and improve the overall health and well-being of each individual who works and lives in Echols County. The county nurse manager, Leigh Ann Combass, provides a vast variety of health services such as wellness checks, immunizations, STD testing, and much more.
The Lanier County Health Department is one of the ten-county health departments that the Georgia Department of Public Health operates and owns. The Lanier County Health Department health care services along with environmental services to make sure each resident lives a healthier and safer lifestyle. Nurses and their county nurse manager, Jeannie Gilson, support this facility.
The Cook County Health Department is one of the South Health District’s Health Department’s. This health department improves the health and well-being of all residents in Cook County. The services and programs at this facility help people of all ages improve their health and/or maintain it so they can continue to work and be with their loved ones.
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: 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: Community Based Organization.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed daily for lunch from 12:00 to 12:30 pm
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: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Hepatitis B testing is available for high risk populations only. There is a small fee for HIV testing. Closed daily from 12:15pm-12:45pm for lunch
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Every county health department provides STD testing daily; however, appointments may be needed. Hepatitis B testing is available for high risk populations only. Closed daily 12pm-12:30pm for lunch
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Health Department charges only minimal fees for its services, and some services have adjusted fee scales based on ability to pay. The accepted forms of payment are cash, check, some credit/debit cards, and insurance. Closed daily from 12noon-12:30pm for lunch
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Hepatitis B testing is available for high risk clients only. Closed daily from 12pm-1pm for lunch
This community-based organization provides free HIV testing to anyone in the state of Georgia but mainly help those residing in the southern Georgia area. They use the rapid blood HIV test.
Legacy Behavioral Health Services provides healthcare services surrounding individuals and families who need behavioral support and care along with counseling. This agency provides individual, group, and family counseling. Legacy provides many different outpatient services to cater to people who need help with mental health problems, addictive disease issues, development disabilities, and much more. The end goal is to help the whole person so they can once again be productive and independent within their community.
3120 N Oak Street Extension Suite B, Valdosta, GA 31602, USA
This health department does not have any eligibility requirements for persons who wish to be tested for sexually transmitted infections, HIV, or Hepatitis. Please be prepared to provide your household income if you wish to use their sliding fee scale for discounted rates depending on the income level. This facility does accept insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare.
The Lowndes County Health Department protects, enhances, and maintains the quality of each individual’s health through education and service. Their county nurse manager, Norma Jean Johnson, is available to answer your questions via the phone or in-person. This health department is located inside a three-story building that almost looks like a church. It’s brown, white, and green. There are numerous parking places available in front of the building for visitors.
206 S Patterson St, Valdosta, GA 31601, USA
The Brooks County Health Department sees and treats anyone without any eligibility requirements. Please note, Hepatitis B testing is only available for high-risk populations only. Also, there is a small charge for HIV testing. This facility offers conventional blood and rapid blood HIV test. This facility does accept insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. There is a sliding scale fee available to those who qualify.
The Brooks County Health Department promotes the health of all residents through educational and preventive services. The county nurse manager, Dana Watson, provides the majority of services with the assistance of other healthcare staff members. Questions and/or concerns can be addressed to the county nurse manager in-person or over the phone. The health department is held inside a one-story building that is brown and black. This facility has parking available in front and on the side of the building.
500 E Courtland Ave, Quitman, GA 31643, USA
The nursing staff at the Echols County Health Department provides the STI and HIV testing at this facility. This health department provides STD testing on a daily basis. However, appointments are highly encouraged. Hepatitis B testing is available to only high-risk populations. Please call to further know if you’re considered high-risk or not.
The Echols County Health Department provides informative and well-rounded services and staff members to make sure each resident of Echols County live a healthy and safer life. Besides HIV and STI testing services, this health department provides the HPV vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine, and the Hepatitis B vaccine. Residents of Echols no matter their age or income will find supportive programs and services.
149 GA-94, Statenville, GA 31648, USA
The Lanier County Health Department only provides STD and HIV testing services to those residing in Lanier County. Please bring proof of your residence to your first appointment. Please note, this health department charges only a minimal fee for its services. Some services have adjusted fee scales based on ability to pay. The accepted forms of payment are cash, check, some credit/debit cards, and insurance.
The Lanier County Health Department protects the personal health of all residents in Lanier County. This health department keeps all information confidential. Visitors will notice this building because of its one-story height and brown brick on the outside. This facility is smaller but it does have its own parking lot in front of the building.
53 W Murrell Ave, Lakeland, GA 31635, USA
The county nurse manager, Rebecca Allgood, along with other qualified nurses provide on-site sexually transmitted infection and HIV testing to residents of Cookie County. Please note at this health clinic, Hepatitis B testing is available only to high-risk clients only. Also, this facility does charge a small fee for HIV testing.
The Cook County Health Department provides services that help protect and maintain the overall health of people no matter their age in Cook County. This helps promote a healthy and aware environment for all residents. Some services they provide include family planning, general nursing, an infectious disease program, an STD program, and much more. This healthcare facility is a one-story building that is brown and black. Parking is available on the side of the building.
204 N Parrish Ave, Adel, GA 31620, USA
Local sexual health education focuses on young people who are at risk for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. The state’s teen pregnancy rate is higher than the national average, and young minority women living in the state have disproportionately high birth rates. Men that have sex with men have the greatest risk for HIV, and the above charts show that African American women suffer at rates vastly disproportionate to population. Because the risk for negative sexual health outcomes is a reality, comprehensive sexuality education and access to contraception are more important than ever to the health of Georgia’s youth.
Federally funded abstinence-only programs, including the ones used in Georgia, cannot include information about the health benefits of contraception and condoms. The programs also must emphasize marriage before sex. Recent research on abstinence-only programs has found them ineffective, with no impact on reducing teen pregnancy, delaying sexual initiation, or reducing STDs.
Among VSU students, low use of contraceptives and infrequent health screenings play a large role in high STD rates. Technology is partly responsible, the rise of dating apps has lent to the STD problem, making quick hookups easier and more frequent. This is the perfect environment for the transmission of disease, because the sex is often unprotected.
All of these numbers can be alarming for good reason, but students should be aware that some of the diseases are preventable with the use of contraceptives, and general sex education. There are certain practices that students can adopt to help protect themselves against STIs such as frequent testing and monogamous dating.
The city creates a small town atmosphere with the Friday Night Lights each fall, Valdosta High School is one of top winning football programs in the US. But with the mix of the young locals and the VSU population you need to be aware of the increase in sexually transmitted diseases. If you’ve been avoiding taking care of your sexual health due to long lines, there is a choice that lets you make an appointment for same day STD testing. You can call to schedule confidential STD testing.
https://dph.georgia.gov/health-data-and-statistics
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.
