Preferred Location: 333 School Street Pawtucket,RI 02860 Pawtucket Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 333 School Street Pawtucket,RI 02860 Pawtucket Change Location
In 2016, Providence County had an HIV prevalence rate of 323.4 per 100K people, over Rhode Island’s rate of 263. But health officials are most worried about the bacterial STD rates, which are sharply increasing.
In 2016, Providence County had a chlamydia rate of 572.6 per 100K people, above the state rate of 467.3. The gonorrhea and (primary and secondary) syphilis rates were 92.7 and 10.9.
Health officials point to a few reasons for the increasing rates. Better testing methods account for some of those numbers. Also, dating apps result in people having sex with people they don’t know very well and might have trouble finding again later if necessary. The abating of the AIDS scare has meant decreased condom use, especially among young people who wouldn’t have seen all the people dying in the ‘80s.
Blackstone Valley CHC Women’s Health, at Park Pl, provides STI testing for women. Coastal Medical, on East Ave, offers HIV screening. The Miriam Hospital HIV/STD Clinic on Main St in Providence offers HIV and STD testing and treatment. And there are more options in the surrounding areas, especially in Providence. You may even find free STD testing there.
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 CDC2 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Project RENEW was started in 2005 to support female sex workers who were at risk in Rhode Island communities. Project Weber was a separate initiative that was created in 2008 to do the same for members of the male sex worker profession. They both accomplished amazing feats such as lowering the prostitution arrest rate by 90% in the Pawtucket and Central Falls areas as while as opening a drop-in center to better help their communities. The two organizations merged in 2016 to help reduce administrative costs.
Since its founding, the group combination has helped more than 250 men and 1000 women with HIV prevention and treatment, needle exchange, and peer support groups.
Blackstone Valley Community Health Care was created in 1990 from a collection of smaller clinics throughout Rhode Island to better provide a comprehensive medical care system for all their patients. Today the network oversees a string of clinics in the Pawtucket, Central Falls, and surrounding regions as well as a dental facility in downtown Pawtucket.
In the last year, Blackstone Valley Community Health Care clinics helped more than 13,000 unique patients. Patients can find help with a wide assortment of medical conditions here including, but not limited to: behavioral health issues, pre-natal issues, and adult preventative care.
The Miriam Hospital was founded by the Providence Jewish Community almost 100 years ago and is recognized worldwide today for its cutting edge HIV/AIDS treatment department. It is also notable for its exemplary cardiac care, joint replacement services, and minimally invasive robotic surgery. The hospital is currently part of the Lifespan health care provider network that runs numerous hospitals and health centers all over the east coast.
The Infectious Diseases and Immunology Center is the biggest provider of outpatient care in all of Rhode Island for patients dealing with problems associated with infectious diseases.
Massasoit Internal Medicine is a privately run health clinic that uses a comprehensive and holistic approach to patient care. The clinic itself is run by a doctor and a nurse practitioner, Dr. Teixeira and Laura Tavares respectively, but they coordinate with several other local physicians to ensure that their patients have access to medical services any time they require it.
Massasoit Internal Medicine is capable of helping patients with everything from diagnostic tests to ear, nose, throat illnesses in addition to a breadth of programs associated with helping individuals overcome their fight with substance addiction.
Providence Community Health Centers Incorporated is the only Federally Qualified Health Center to be found in Providence, Rhode Island. They were established in 1968 and have been working hard since to provide top-quality health care to the more than 50,000 community members found in Providence. They work with local schools and agencies to offer programs for everyone regardless of their ability to pay.
The Capitol Hill Health Center is capable of offering help with internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, and dental care, to name just a few of the departments found at the clinic.
Planned Parenthood is an organization started in the United States that has set down roots all over the world to help communities gain access to better and more affordable reproductive health care. Planned Parenthood is a firm advocate for an individual's sexual and bodily health to be an innate right that should not be tampered with.
Patients seeking testing and treatment for STDs in Rhode Island will find clinics run by Planned Parenthood of Southern New England dotted across the various regions. Doctors and nursing staff at the health centers are trained to protect patient privacy as a high-level priority.
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Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Description: Community Based Organization. Due to COVID-19, drop-in center is available for brief services only. Please check website for updates
Description: Closed for lunch 12noon-1pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
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: Community Based Organization.
Description: AIDS Service Organization. Rhode Islanders over age 13 who are seeking a rapid HIV, hepatitis C, or syphilis testing. Walk-in testing Wednesdays 5pm-7pm; other times by appt. only
Description: Hospital.
Description: Social Service Organization.
Description: STI and HIV testing walk-in hours: Mon., 2:30pm-6:30pm; Tues.-Fri., 12:30pm-4:30pm
Description: Only eligibility requirements are that the patient is uninsured and over the age of 18. Serve anyone regardless of documentation status.
Description: Social Service Organization. Free condoms available. After 1pm appointments are needed. Closed Tues & Thurs 1pm-6pm
Description: Community Based Organization. Due to COVID-19, drop-in center is available for brief services only. Please check website for updates
Top STD Testing Locations in Pawtucket, RI
Primary Item (H2)Hepatitis C and HIV testing at this location is free for all members of the general public.
While Project Weber/RENEW may primarily focus on assisting those in the sex industry, they are more than willing to help those individuals in the general population who are anxious to receive testing for HIV/AIDS.
The tests are administered by experts who are attentive to the cultural needs of the patient.
32 Goff Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860, USA
Medicaid and Medicare are both accepted at this clinic and a sliding fee scale can be provided for patients who need assistance with medical fees.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center, the Women's Care clinic run Blackstone Valley Community Health Care is a modern medical facility equipped with up to date technology and systems.
Specialists in infectious diseases and preventative medicine will assist patients with any issues they might encounter during the test and screening process and even after.
39 East Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860, USA
HIV testing is free to all and other STD testing is provided for free to patients without insurance.
The Miriam Hospital is associated with the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and hosts an internationally renowned fellowship program for infectious disease specialists. Patients are guaranteed to be treated with professional specialists who are up to date with the latest medical research.
Testing most STDs is even provided free of charge to patients without insurance at the hospital.
1125 N Main St, Providence, RI 02904, USA
Patients are asked to bring photo ID and insurance cards if possible.
Testing for most common STDs at the Massasoit Internal Medicine clinic is by appointment only and it will cost the patient $30-$60 if they do not show up to their consultation at the appointed time slot. Patients have up to 24 hours before the appointment to cancel without incurring a fee.
Test results can be returned to the patient through the online patient portal found on their website.
400 Massasoit Ave #300, East Providence, RI 02914, USA
Individuals must register as a patient at the health centers before receiving medical attention. A sliding fee scale is offered for patients with low household income.
Patients looking to book an appointment for STD testing and screening at the Capitol Hill Health Center can call the clinic for a same-day walk-in. However, the health center advises that patients call early in the day as consultation slots fill up extremely quickly and the staff at the clinic can't guarantee there will be a time that works for everyone.
40 Candace St, Providence, RI 02908, USA
Uninsured patients could qualify for a state-funded program to cover medical fees.
The Providence Health Center where Planned Parenthood operates is a modern facility that is equipped with the latest in medical technology and diagnostic tools.
Although the clinic accepts walk-in patients during their regular business hours, the center can quickly become packed to the brim and staff members will recommend that patients book their patients well ahead of time to guarantee they will be seen on the same day they arrive.
175 Broad St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Sexual education makes a difference in teaching teens and young adults about their bodies and about ways to prevent the spread of STDs. These are important issues and require serious discussion. Schools are best positioned to facilitate lessons on these topics.
The Rhode Island Department of Education is committed to comprehensive sexual education programs in public schools. The state is a leader in implementing robust sexual education initiatives to combat the spread of STDs.
These programs include the Rhode Island Coordinated School Health Program, now known as “thrive,” a program designed in coordination with the CDC. The goal of thrive is to prevent health issues in local communities and ensure health and safety in schools.
Thrive offers a variety of sexual education resources on its website. Information on sexual health and sexuality topics is available. Resources related to LGBTQ youth, teen pregnancy and family life can also be found.
Sexual education is included in the curriculum at Pawtucket schools. These schools include William E. Tolman High School, Charles E. Shea High School, Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing & Visual Arts and Blackstone Academy Charter School. Samuel Slater, Joseph Jenks and Lyman B. Goff middle schools also offer sexual education programs. Nurses, guidance counselors and health professionals are available to discuss sexual health issues in more detail.
Sexual education programs in Rhode Island typically cover topics including human growth and development; personal skills; relationships; disease control and prevention; sexual health and behavior; family life; and societal and cultural issues.
Recent census data shows that the racial mix of Pawtucket was 59.5% Non-Hispanic white, 20.4% Non-Hispanic African American and 19.7% Hispanic. 30.5% of households had children under the age of 18 living with them. The median household income was $28,124, and 17% of the population lives below the poverty line.
In 2015, there were 4,575 cases of Chlamydia reported in Rhode Island. The 20-24 age bracket showed the highest rates of Chlamydia. This trend is clearly present over the past 5 years. Females also show higher rates of Chlamydia than males. There were 3,037 cases reported among females and 1,312 cases among males in 2015. Despite being lower, the rate among males has increased over the last 5 years.
Similar to nationwide trends, the highest rates of Gonorrhea were found in the 20-29 and 30-39 age brackets. Gonorrhea rates in Rhode Island were higher in males than in females in 2015. This trend has remained constant over the past 5 years. Males and especially men who have sex with men (MSM) were most affected by Gonorrhea.
Syphilis rates in Rhode Island are higher in males than females. In 2015, there were 109 cases in males and 6 cases in females. Males had nearly 95% of all cases. The highest rates were found in the 20-29 and 30-39 age brackets. Again, males and especially men who have sex with men were most affected by Syphilis.
Statistics show that HIV rates in Rhode Island are highest among men. Reflecting nationwide trends, the cases in Providence County are most common among men who have sex with men.
Pawtucket is in reach of many of Rhode Island’s best STD testing resources and healthcare providers. Of course, your primary care provider is a good place to go for STD testing. For low-cost STD testing services, you can visit one of the many facilities described below. The Rhode Island Department of Health provides links to additional STD testing locations.
Miriam Hospital is one of the best and most reliable facilities for STD testing in Providence. The STD clinic offers standard STD testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes, HIV, and syphilis. Rapid oral and rapid blood HIV testing is also available. The Miriam Hospital STD Clinic offers confidential HIV and STD testing on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 12:30-3:30pm on a walk-in basis, though these hours can change. The clinic is located at 1125 North Main Street in Providence, Rhode Island.
Rhode Free Clinic is the best place to go for STD testing if you are not insured and need a doctor. The clinic is located at 655 Broad St., Providence, RI 02907. STD testing and treatment services are available here by board-certified physicians, nurses and health professionals.
The nearest Planned Parenthood location to Pawtucket is Providence Health Center. This is the city’s largest facility. It offers STD testing and treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV), chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV (testing and diagnosis only), syphilis and trichomoniasis (trich). For STD prevention, the clinic also provides condoms, female condoms, dental dams and hepatitis B vaccine.
Blackstone Valley Community Health Care is another location you should consider for safe and reliable STD testing. The community health center has three locations in Pawtucket. STD testing and treatment are available in all of these locations.
The majority of Rhode Island’s STD cases are found in Providence County. Pawtucket’s proximity to Providence makes the issue of STDs all the more important. For teens and young adults in the community, STD rates are especially alarming. Teaching students about STD prevention critical to public health.
Pawtucket residents have access to Rhode Island’s top healthcare facilities. There are even a good number of low-cost clinics in the area that provide STD testing and treatment services. STD testing services can be found at Planned Parenthood, Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Free Clinic. Consult these resources today for more information.
Additional resources:
Thrive Sexual Education
Rhode Island Department of Education
Rhode Island Department of Health – Find STD Services
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.