TABLE OF CONTENTS
Auburn Clinic
Federal Way Clinic
Kent Clinic
Midway Clinic
SeaTac Clinic
Federal Way Health Center
Kent Valley Health Center
Auburn Public Health Center
Federal Way Public Health Center
Kent Public Health Center
Kent Medical Clinic
Elma Medical Clinic
Southcenter Clinic
IThe most common STDs in Auburn include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. The CDC’s 2018 STD surveillance report shows that between 2017 and 2018, all three of these diseases increased in prevalence.
In 2018, Auburn’s King County ranked 24th in the nation for reported chlamydia cases. That year, 10,233 cases of chlamydia were documented in King County, which accounted for about 30% of the reported 34,449 cases in the state. King County’s 2017 Epidemiology Report showed that among females, 5,297 cases were recorded in the county for a rate of 492 per 100,000 females, and 4,655 cases among males, which corresponds to a rate of 433 per 100,000 males. Those aged 15-29 had the highest incidence of chlamydia diagnosis.
In 2017, King County showed an increasing epidemic of gonorrhea. While this infection is most commonly diagnosed in males, the rate in women that year was at its highest level in over a decade. There were 4,284 cases reported in the county that year, which resulted in an overall incidence of 199 per 100,000 people. This was a 22% increase over the number shown in 2016. Among females in the county, there were 993 documented cases for a rate of 92, which was a 20% increase over 2016’s rate and a 76% increase over 2008’s. Among males in the county, there were 3,289 reported cases for a rate of 306. This is an increase of 23% over 2016 and an increase of 247% in the previous decade.
In 2017, King County experienced the highest level of reported cases of syphilis since data became available. That year, there were 668 cases for an overall rate of 32 per 100,000 people. About half of these cases were diagnosed as primary or secondary syphilis. Over 98% of early syphilis cases occurred in males, and only seven cases were reported in females. Men who have sex with men were diagnosed with syphilis at a disproportionately high frequency.
Many STDs produce no symptoms, making it difficult for an individual to know whether they’re infected. Unfortunately, STDs can cause lasting damage to the body whether or not symptoms are present. Long-term complications of common STDs include infertility and sterility, some types of cancers, a higher likelihood of contracting HIV, heart problems, and early death. Regular testing is the most reliable way to be sure that you don’t have an STD. The Auburn area is home to several clinics that provide confidential, free or low-cost STD testing and treatment.
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 available in Auburn 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:
The Auburn Public Health Center, which is operated by King County’s Public Health Department, has a family planning and sexual health clinic that provides education and reproductive health care services. These services include pregnancy tests, birth control, referrals, and HIV and STD screening. In addition to health services, the center also provides clients with assistance to determine whether they qualify for free health insurance and to begin the enrollment process. All STD testing services are available at low or no cost, depending on the client’s income. The clinic is open on weekdays, and services are provided by appointment or on a walk-in basis.
901 Auburn Way North, Suite A
Auburn, WA 98002
206-477-0600
Kingcounty.gov
HealthPoint operates several medical and dental clinics in Washington, including one in Auburn. Clients can be tested for STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV, and the HPV vaccine is available. Those without health insurance may qualify for the clinic’s reduced-fee program, which is based on income and family size. Uninsured clients don’t pay out of pocket for their care. The staff helps clients apply for health care coverage and programs to cover associated costs, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. The clinic is open on weekdays, and appointments can be scheduled over the phone.
126 Auburn Avenue
Auburn, WA 98002
253-735-0166
Multiple Auburn locations
Healthpointchc.org
Neighborcare Health at Columbia City is a low-cost clinic that provides a full array of healthcare services, including confidential testing, treatment, and counseling for STDs and HIV. Staff can help uninsured clients apply for low- or no-cost health care coverage or a sliding discount fee program. No one is turned away for an inability to pay. Same-day and walk-in appointments are available, and interpreters and staff members who speak multiple languages, including Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese, are on-site.
4400 37th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98118
206-461-6957
Neighborcare.org
The Seattle Indian Health Board operates a clinic in the central region of Seattle, about 30 miles from Auburn. The clinic focuses on providing health care services to low-income indigenous people in Washington, but services are available to everyone regardless of race or economic status. The clinic provides exams, immunizations, and screening tests for children and adults, family planning care and counseling, prenatal and postpartum care, and STD testing and treatment. The clinic is open on weekdays during normal business hours. Services are offered by appointment only, and prospective clients should call the clinic directly to schedule. Low-income clients and American Indian/Alaskan Native patients are eligible for income-based sliding scale discounts.
611 12th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98144
206-324-9360
Sihb.org