Free STD Testing in Upland, CA

According to recent reports, STD rates in California are the highest they’ve been in 25 years. These alarming rates increase the need for reliable sexual education and STD testing services. In San Bernardino County, STD rates have shown some changes in recent years.

Chlamydia rates have remained stable in San Bernardino County since 2011. In 2015, there were 2,059 reported cases of Chlamydia. This represents a rate of 519.8. In 2011, the Chlamydia rate was 522.4. Although the Chlamydia rate has remained stable, it is still above the California average of 486.1.

Unlike Chlamydia, Gonorrhea rates in the county are below the statewide average. These statistics reflect significant local efforts to reduce the spread of STDs. Still, Chlamydia rates are on the rise. The Chlamydia rate has doubled in San Bernardino County since 2011 from 68.0 to 129.5. Clearly, additional efforts are needed to curb these increasing rates.

In 2015, there were 134 reported cases of Primary & Secondary Syphilis. The Syphilis rate has increased every year since 2011. Throughout California, these rates have consistently increased, raising particular concern for public health officials.

California ranks among the U.S. states with the most new diagnoses of HIV/AIDS. In 2014, San Bernardino recorded 205 cases of HIV. This number represents 4.1% of the statewide cases.

Students and families rely on local schools to provide reliable information about sexual health. Educators are responsible for equipping students with the information they need to make healthy life decisions. In order to make informed decisions, teens need comprehensive information about preventing STDs.

Despite considerable funding for sexual health programs in California, there are considerable gaps in sexual education curriculum. According to a report commissioned by Planned Parenthood, sexual education courses in Upland and throughout San Bernardino County are “inconsistent, largely inadequate, and out of compliance.”

Sexual education information must be clear, accurate and reliable. Inconsistencies in curriculum  can undercut this reliability. In San Bernardino public schools, some courses do not cover ways to prevent teen pregnancies, and many offer insufficient information about preventing STDs. These courses should be more comprehensive and include important topics such as condom use, STD prevention and access to contraception.

While some gaps exist, sexual education courses in local schools are superior to those in other parts of the country. High schools in Upland include Upland High School and Hillside High School. There are several middle schools including Pioneer Junior High School and Upland Junior High School. At all of these schools, sexual education courses are taught to students.

Teens and young adults in Upland are disporotionaly affected by STDs. With over half of high school students engaged in sexual activities, teens are predisposed to risks of STDs. Confronting this issue requires a full picture of the STD rates in the community.

In California, the majority of Gonorrhea cases are reported in the 20-24 and 25-29 ages brackets. Cases in San Bernardino County were split evenly between males and females. In 2015, there 1,367 reported cases among females and 1,388 cases among males. The statistics in California are split based on race. There were 10,375 cases reported among African Americans, 13,924 cases reported among Hispanics and 13,485 cases reported among Whites.

The total Syphilis cases in California show no definitive trends based on age. It is clear, however, that Syphilis rates are highest among Hispanic and African American populations. In 2015, the Syphilis rate among African Americans was 28.3 and 12.5 among Hispanics.

Chlamydia cases in San Bernardino can be clearly broken down by demographic indicators. The majority of cases are reported among women. The rate among women was 739, while the rate among men was 298. Across the state, the highest rates are found among African Americans with a rate of 913 in 2015.

Similar to nationwide trends, HIV/AIDS rates in the area are highest among men. Cases are most common among MSM (men who have sex with men).

If you’re sexually active, you should be tested for STDs. There are a number of resources available for STD testing. However, some resources are more reliable than others. Consult these health centers for reliable STD testing services.

San Bernardino County operates several health clinics throughout the area. The nearest facility is the Ontario Health Center. Testing is available here for Hepatitis B, Chlamydia, HIV, HPV, Syphilis and Gonorrhea. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Contact the clinic for more information about free or low cost services

Another reliable resource for STD testing is the Planned Parenthood location on W. Foothill Boulevard in Upland. The Upland Health Center offers testing for all STDs and also provides counseling and treatment services. Trained healthcare professionals are on staff to answer all of your questions about sexual health. Free condoms are available at this location.

For HIV testing, Upland residents can also visit the Upland HealthCare Center run by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The center is located in Rancho Cucamonga. Urgent care facilities can also be used for STD testing. Advanced Urgent Care in Upland offers STD testing, HIV testing and HPV testing. This location is open on weekdays and weekends.

According to statistics, San Bernardino County ranks 16th in Chlamydia cases in the United States and 25th in Gonorrhea cases. These numbers demonstrate the obvious need to confront the issue of STDs in the community. While efforts have been made to improve sexual education and testing services, more can be done.

What can you do to improve your sexual health? Get tested. There are many resources available in Upland for STD testing. These health centers provide reliable STD testing and counseling services by trained professionals.