Free STD Testing in Arlington, VA

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Table of Contents

Free STD Testing in Arlington, VA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. STD Directory in Arlington, VA
II. STD Trends in Arlington, VA
III. Best STD Organizations in Arlington, VA
IV. Sources

I. STD Directory in Arlington, VA

At-Home STD Testing

Testing for STDs at home is safe, convenient, and private. Performed regularly, it can help you stay healthy and avoid unknowingly transmitting STDs.

You have many options for at-home STD testing. The best at-home STD tests are FDA approved and evaluated for safety and accuracy with fast result turnaround times and support from health care professionals.

At-home STD testing kits should include instructions for collection and test registration, along with materials such as containers and swabs to collect and send your sample to the lab. Most at-home STD tests offer results in about five days through a secure online patient portal.

Learn More About At-Home STD Testing

II. STD Trends in Arlington, VA

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the metro area that includes Arlington, the District of Columbia, and Alexandria has fairly high reporting levels for cases of STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. In some cases, only major metro areas, such as New York, Houston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, report similar or higher numbers. And the HIV prevalence rates in Arlington County are almost double that for the Commonwealth as a whole.

Chlamydia

The CDC reported 34,211 chlamydia cases in 2018 for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolis. That’s up by 1,000 over the year before. Even more worrisome is the fact that cases documented by the CDC jumped more than 10,000 from 2016 to 2017.

The Virginia Department of Health also keeps numbers for the entire state. In 2018, it recorded 43,695 new chlamydia cases, which means the metro area around Arlington is responsible for a large percent of total cases. Chlamydia tends to impact younger people more in the state. Most of the cases tend to be reported by people aged 15 to 29. African Americans make up more than half of all people diagnosed with chlamydia in the state.

Chlamydia Diagnoses in Virginia , 2018

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea numbers in the Arlington area tend to be much lower. Around 9,300 new diagnoses of this disease were documented by the CDC for the metro area in 2018. The number went down a tiny amount year over year after more than doubling between 2016 and 2017. Even though gonorrhea case numbers for the area are relatively low when compared to some other major metropolitan areas, the Arlington area has seen a staggering jump since 2014, when the total reported by the CDC was less than 3,000.

Again, when comparing the DC-Arlington metro area with the state as a whole, the area surrounding Arlington accounts for the majority of cases reported by the state. Gonorrhea is also a young person’s disease, with most of the new diagnoses impacting people aged 15 to 34. More than 60% of people with a new gonorrhea diagnosis in 2018 were recorded as being African American.

Gonorrhea Diagnoses in Virginia, 2018

Syphilis

The CDC’s numbers for primary and secondary syphilis cases indicate the Arlington metro area had around 720 new diagnoses in 2018. The syphilis case rates in the area rose every year between 2014 and 2018, almost tripling over that time period.

The Virginia Department of Health documents early syphilis diagnoses by age and race. Most cases are reported by people aged 20 to 39. More than 50% of newly reported cases in 2018 were for African Americans.

In many cases, the only way to tell you have an STD early on is to get tested. That’s because some of these diseases don’t have any noticeable symptoms at first. However, when left untreated, they can result in serious health consequences in the future. It’s important for anyone who is sexually active to get tested for STDs regularly to best safeguard their own health as well as the well-being of potential sexual partners. The Arlington, VA, area has several non-profit and state-funded clinics that provide low-cost or free STD screening.

III. Best STD Organizations in Arlington, VA

Best STD resources Arlington Badge

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain one of the most critical public health challenges facing the United States, with approximately 26 million new STD infections occurring every year. Nearly half of these new infections affect young people ages 15 to 24.

Community-based organizations are a vital first line of defense in the fight against STDs and HIV/AIDS in particular. They generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

You may not be aware of all the STD resources in Arlington that can help prevent the spread of STDs. Get connected with these community organizations that are leading the fight against STDs and HIV/AIDS with resources and support:”

Arlington County Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services offers some limited clinical services, including family planning, immunization clinics, and medical case management. It also does limited testing for sexually transmitted infections. Services are available by appointment only, so contact the office before seeking assistance. The clinic sets appointments from 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and 7:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. From 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., the clinic provides appointments only to adolescents.

2100 Washington Blvd, FL 2
Arlington, VA 22204
(703) 228-1200
Website

Arlington Free Clinic

As of late 2020, the Arlington Free Clinic was not taking new patients. Normally, the free clinic holds a monthly lottery to accept a certain number of new patients. Patients of the free clinic can access STD testing services by appointment only. Individuals interested in becoming a future patient should check the clinic’s website for updates.

2921 11th Street South
Arlington, VA 22204
(703) 979-1400
Website

NovaSalud Incorporated

NovaSalud provides testing for hepatitis C, chlamydia and gonorrhea. It also offers free condoms, HIV self-testing kits, and HIV prevention programs, among many other mental and physical health services. Appointments are free, and you can make them generally for hours between 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The clinic also usually takes walk-ins from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, with the exception of holidays and other days when the clinic might be closed.

2946 Sleepy Hollow Road, Suite 3C
Falls Church, VA 22044
(703) 533-1858
Website

Bread for the City

Bread for the City is an outreach program that includes food services, a clothing closet, and assistance with social or legal matters. It also offers some healthcare services, including a primary care clinic. According to the organization’s website, it provides examinations, tests and referrals to people even if they can’t pay for services. That does include some STD screenings.

1525 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 386-7020
Website

Sasha Bruce Youthwork Incorporated

This organization oversees a few youth programs that include HIV and STD prevention measures. This can include free testing, but the programs are targeted at adolescents and young adults. Typically this organization works with people aged 13 to 24.

701B Maryland Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 675-9370
Website

Free STD Testing in Arlington, VA

Free STD Testing in Arlington, VA

I. STD Directory in Arlington, VA

At-Home STD Testing

II. STD Trends in Arlington, VA

Chlamydia

Chlamydia Diagnoses in Virginia , 2018

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea Diagnoses in Virginia, 2018

Syphilis

III. Best STD Organizations in Arlington, VA

Arlington County Department of Human Services

Arlington Free Clinic

NovaSalud Incorporated

Bread for the City

Sasha Bruce Youthwork Incorporated

IV. Sources