Free STD Testing in Pittsburg, CA

Recent trends regarding the Chlamydia rate in Contra Costa County are worrying locals in the area. Every year since 2012, the rate has increased, and in 2016 the rate reached a high point. Between 2012 and 2016, the rate for Chlamydia in the county increased by 30%. In 2016, there were a total of 5,226 Chlamydia cases in Contra Costa County and a rate of 462.5 per 100,000 population.

In addition to Chlamydia, the Gonorrhea rate also hit a high mark in 2016. There were a total of 1,580 cases and a rate of 139.8 per 100,000 population. The rate increased by 18% between 2015 and 2016. In comparison, 64,677 cases of Gonorrhea were reported in California and a rate of 164.3 per 100,000 population.

Statistics show that only 1.6% of California’s total Syphilis cases are found in Contra Costa County. The rate increased by 31% between 2015 and 2016; however, the rate has been higher in previous years. There were a total of 12 cases reported in the county and a rate of 2.1 per 100,000 population. California, by comparison, had a rate of 3.7 per 100,000 population. The rate in Contra Costa County was lower.

Between 2013 and 2014, the number of HIV cases in Contra Costa County increased by 40%. The number of cases increased from 76 to 107. In 2014, the rate for HIv was 9.8 per 100,000 population. The county’s cases represented 2.1% of the state’s total cases. In the previous year, the county’s cases accounted for only 1.6% of the total cases.

California is more advanced than other states, when it comes to sexual education. It is one of 24 states in the country that requires sexual education and HIV education. When sexual education is provided, the information must be medically accurate, age appropriate and culturally unbiased. In addition, the sexual education programs offered in schools cannot promote religious ideas.

Guidelines set by the state of California govern sexual education curriculum in all local schools. For example, sexual education programs must cover abstinence and discuss contraception including condoms.  All programs must be exual orientation inclusive and include instruction about healthy decision-making and family communication.

Students in Pittsburg may attend schools in several school districts including Pittsburg Unified School District, Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Antioch Unified School District. The local high schools in the area are Pittsburg High School and Black Diamond High School. Pittsburg is also home to Los Medanos College,a two-year community college.

Sexual education is the best way to spread reliable information about sexual health. If you have questions about sexual health and wellbeing, seek out these resources in the Pittsburg area.

Individuals aged 20 to 24 years old showed the highest rate for Chlamydia. In 2016, the rate was 2,326.0 per 100,000 population. Young women had the highest rate, when the statistics are broken down by gender. Women aged 20 to 24 years old had a rate of 3,354.6 per 100,000 population. In general, women had the highest rate for Chlamydia.

In 2016, the Gonorrhea rate was 487.6 per 100,000 population for African Americans and 117.0 per 100,000 population for Hispanics. California had a total of 64,677 cases in 2016 and an overall rate of 164.3 per 100,000 population. The highest overall rate for all demographic subgroups was African American males aged 20 to 24 years old. For many STDs, American American teens show very high rates. These statistics underscore the need for reliable STD testing resources in communities across the country.

The rise in Syphilis cases in California is reflected throughout the United States. Males are bearing the burden of Primary and Secondary Syphilis cases in the country. In California, the majority of Syphilis cases are found among males. The rate was 14.0 per 100,000 population in 2015.

In 2015, California ranked 2nd in the United States for new HIV infections. Although HIV rates are on the decline, this is an alarming statistic. Most of the cases are found among men. In fact, reports show that 88% of people in California living with HIV are men, and only 12% are women. The issues of HIV is especially concerning for gay and bisexual men.

STI testing resources are available throughout the Pittsburg area. Testing is available for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and HIV in Contra Costa County. Consider these resources to achieve better sexual health.

Planned Parenthood Northern California’s Pittsburg Health Center is conveniently located at 3715 Railroad Avenue in Pittsburg. The clinic offers trusted STD testing resources for residents in the Pittsburg area. It is a great place to turn for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and HIV testing. Planned Parenthood is known for quality healthcare services related to sexual health and wellness.

Contra Costa Health Services is the health services department of the Contra Costa County. The county operates several health clinics throughout the county including the Pittsburg Health Center. According to Contra Costa Health Services, the STD clinic “offers screening, diagnosis and treatment services for STDs including syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis and herpes.”

Rainbow Community Center is a nonprofit that promotes health and well-being among LGBTQ people and our allies. The services offered by the community center include HIV testing. The clinic is located in Concord.

There are many urgent care facilities located in the Pittsburg area including the John Muir Health Urgent Care Center. The healthcare network operates several clinics in the area including one in Concord. Located at 2700 Grant Street, the facilities offers testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and HIV.

Many of the STD rates in Contra Costa County hit a high mark in 2016. This is a concerning trend that requires greater attention to the issue of sexual health. Since STDs often don’t show symptoms, it is critical that all sexually active individuals get tested regularly.

Many people are nervous about STD testing, but there’s nothing to be afraid of. STD testing includes a normal blood and urine test, and all testing results are confidential. Overall, the benefits of STD testing outweigh any fears that one might have.