Free or Low-Cost 
STD Testing in Chattanooga, TN

If you’re on E. 3^rd St. look for the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Dept. Sec. III office. It’s on the 1^st floor of the building. Hours have recently changed, so be aware of that. They don’t always have time for you if you just come in, so call first. Testing for all transmittable diseases is done here, and it is usually inexpensive or free. If you do come in for lab work, it will be sent elsewhere, and it can take several days before you hear what the results are.

Rapid Hepatitis C testing can be a lifesaver for those that have unknowingly have the virus for years. The Chattanooga Cares Center can provide this test, along with conventional screening for Gonorrhea, Syphilis and Chlamydia. They have several facilities in Chattanooga, along with mobile units. To find out if they will be by you, simple look them up. A tentative schedule is available on their website or you can dial one of their offices.

Choice Health Network, McCallie Ave., is open seven days a week into the evening hours. Insurance is accepted, which makes it extremely affordable. However, if you don’t the fees can be high. You can pick from different testing options, and this can make it a little less expensive. Physicians are onsite if you need an explanation concerning your results.

Over on E. 37^th St. you’ll see the Southside Community Health Center. Lines out the door can occur, so plan accordingly. The building is small and doesn’t have the space to meet the neighborhood’s needs, but the staff is always ready to help. Mondays they are open late, but otherwise they close at the start of rush hour.

If you decide to ride the trolley down the mountain, don’t be surprised to see STI clinics across the state line. Most accept last minute visitors, and residency is rarely a problem.

When you’re getting checked for transmittable sexual diseases, ask about HIV testing. It just makes sense to take care of everything at once.

Chattanooga Cares not only provides HIV testing, they also have a free pill that is thought to help prevent the virus. Their goal is to help anyone effected by AIDS and HIV. On East 3^rd St., their compassionate team is accepting appointments and unexpected visitors. This is only to be expected since they are a Ryan White clinic.

Channels of Love is also on McCallie Ave, not too far from Choice Health. This ministry seeks to help those suffering from HIV and/or AIDS, and their families. The cost of testing is what you can afford to donate to their efforts. Parking is limited, and hours aren’t set, this can be inconvenient to many.

The county isn’t ignoring HIV and the risks it presents. At their center on E. 3^rd St. they will test for the autoimmune virus. Rapid tests are available, though this might change the cost. Standard testing, however, can be “no-charge” for some individuals. Parking at the garage, behind the center, is also free. Just have the front desk validate your receipt.

The next time you’re exploring Rock City, look for the Primary Healthcare Center on Suggs St. They’re open later in the evenings than a few others, though they do not see clients on the weekends. Conventional tests and vaccines are a few of the services they provide to people on both sides of Lookout Mountain. What they do not have are rapid tests so know that it could take up to 2 weeks to find out if you are positive.

The one thing you might’ve noticed is that there seems to be a wait or expense with these public places. Private HIV tests eliminate all of these, and you can remain anonymous without leaving the state.

When it comes to learning about sexual health, abstinence is “king”. This is even students are sexually active.

Even though the school system can’t help, it’s not completely left up to the parents to ensure that their children are responsible about their sexuality. Many of the same clinics that provide testing and family health services also have the resources you are looking for. In some cases, this can include condoms and other types of prophylactics.

You might have noticed that Planned Parenthood doesn’t have an office in Chattanooga. This is a shame, but the RWF (Ryan White Foundation) is trying to fill their place. Classes, programs and brochures are held and handed out almost every day. There are also the mobile testing units that show up in various neighborhoods.

Channels of Love’s regularly ministers to those affect by HIV and AIDS. Chattanooga Cares even holds walks and seminars designed to bring about education and awareness. Even though you might not find your information in traditional places, there are plenty of others hoping that you will listen to what they have to say.

You can escape to the aquarium or the Hunter Museum of American Art, but this doesn’t change the fact that STIs are here. You can pretend that it’s not a big deal or that you’ll never get one, but that’s how Chattanooga ended up on the map for STDs.

There’s nothing to be afraid or ashamed of. Most screenings only require a urine or small blood sample. It’s over before you know it, and depending on where you go you can be back on the trolley before the tourist rush begins.