Free STD Testing in Jefferson City, MO

Missouri recently ranked as one of the top states for Gonorrhea. Recent statistics for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and HIV are available from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The number of reported Chlamydia cases in Missouri increased from 27,981 in 2014 to 28,948 in 2015. In Cole County, there were a total of 427 cases  and a rate of  558 per 100,000 population. The county rate was higher than the statewide rate of 477.4 per 100,000 population. Only 1.4% of the state’s cases were found in Cole County.

The number of reported Gonorrhea cases in Missouri increased from 2014 to 2015. Similar to Chlamydia, the Gonorrhea rate in Cole County was higher than Missouri’s overall rate. There were 159 cases in the county in 2015 and a rate of 208 per 100,000 population. In comparison, the statewide rate was 147.5 per 100,000 population.

The number of Primary and Secondary  Syphilis cases in Missouri decreased from 352 cases in 2014 to 307 cases in 2015. The rate of reported cases was highest in Jackson County. In Cole County, there was only 1 cases reported in 2015. The Missouri rate was 5.1 per 100,000 population.

Between 2006 and 2015, there were no clear trends for HIV in Missouri. There were a total of 468 newly diagnosed cases of HIV reported in 2015. HIV rates were highest in urban areas including St. Louis and Kansas City.

Jefferson City Public School District is the local school district in the area. Schools in the district include Jefferson City High School, Lewis and Clark Middle School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Belair Elementary School and Callaway Hills Elementary School.

Although Missouri state law does not mandate sexual education in public school, the Jefferson City Public School District has a policy that requires instruction on sexual health and development. The policy states that all instruction will be supported by the “latest medically factual information.”

In addition, sexual education in Jefferson City stress issues related to STDs. According to the policy, instruction will “stress that sexually transmitted diseases are serious, possible health hazards of sexual activity.” Students in the district are taught that abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancy, and contraception is also discussed as a way to prevent STDs.

Sexual education resources are also available from the Cole County Health Department. According to the department, they are committed to  providing “health education sessions related to STIs as requested to community organizations, businesses, schools, religious and governmental agencies serving the residents of Cole County.” The health department is conveniently located in Jefferson City, and residents should take advantage of these educational resources.

Many people forget that Planned Parenthood is one of the nation’s leading providers of sexual education information.  The Columbia Health Center is a reliable resource for information and educational materials related to sexual health, human development and STD prevention.

In Missouri, the highest rates for Chlamydia were reported among African Americans. In 2015, the rate for African American females was 1934.9 per 100,000 population. In addition, 44.2% of male cases were attributed to African Americans. Overall, the majority of cases were reported among women. More than two thirds were female cases.

Across demographic subgroups, the rate for Gonorrhea was highest among individuals aged 20 to 24 years old.  African American males had the highest rates in 2015 followed by African American females. The rate for African American males was 839.7 per 100,000 population.

The majority of Primary and Secondary Syphilis cases in Missouri were found among men. Male cases represented 82% of the total cases. American Americans showed the highest rates. The case rate for African Americans was 8.1 times as high as the rate among whites.

Males represented the majority of newly diagnosed HIV cases in Missouri. Nearly 85% of new cases were reported among men. The rate of newly diagnosed HIV cases among African Americans was highest. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the  rate 7.9 times as high as whites.

Jefferson City

Testing in Jefferson City is easy and confidential. It only takes a quick test to protect your sexual health. Get tested today at one of the many health clinics in the Jefferson City area.

The Cole County Health Department provides STD testing, assessment, treatment and education to concerned individuals in the Jefferson City area. The clinic is located at 1616 Industrial Drive in Jefferson City. STD testing is offered on a walk-in basis.Patients must bring a photo ID to their visit. More information on fees and payment can be found on the department’s website.

Planned Parenthood operates several clinics throughout the state of Missouri. The nearest location for Jefferson City residents is the Columbia Health Center located about 35 minutes away. The clinic provides comprehensive testing services for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and HIV. Walk-ins are welcome, and patients can set appointments on Planned Parenthood’s website.

For urgent care needs, visit SSM Health Urgent Care at 2511 W Edgewood Drive in Jefferson City. This is just one of the many urgent care facilities in the Jefferson City area. STD testing and treatment services are provided by trained nurses and healthcare professionals.

STI testing resources are also available through primary care providers and other health centers in the area. Talk to your doctor about STD testing and any other concerns about sexual health.

Why is it important to get tested regularly for STDs? STDs are difficult to diagnose without testing. If left untreated, STDs can lead to more serious health consequences. In addition, they put sexual partners at risk for infection.

For these reasons, STD testing is essential to achieving better sexual health. As discussed, STD testing resources are available throughout the Jefferson City area. Sexual education information can also be accessed in local schools and through the Cole County Health Department.