TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Q Austin
Austin Sexual Health and Wellness
STD Clinic
Austin Resource Center for the Homeless
Blackstock Family Health Center
Sandra Joy Anderson Community Health and Wellness Center
South Austin Health Center
Hancock Walk-in Care
David Powell Health Center
Southeast Health and Wellness Center
Rundberg Health Center
North Central Health Center
Oak Hill
Dove Springs Clinic
Ben White Health Clinic
Center for Womens Health and Prenatal Care
Downtown Austin Health Center
South Austin Health Center
North Austin Health Center
KIND Clinic
University Health Services
The three most common STDs reported in Augusta are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. In 2017, Georgia ranked ninth in the nation for gonorrhea, sixth for chlamydia, and fourth for syphilis.
Chlamydia is commonly diagnosed in young people, with nearly two-thirds of new infections in the nation occurring in individuals between the ages of 15 and 24. In Texas, the rate of reported cases in 2018 dropped by 1% compared to 2017, but it increased in Travis County by nearly 3%. However, it’s estimated that because a large number of chlamydia cases are asymptomatic and persons who are infected don’t seek treatment, the actual number of cases may be significantly higher.
In Travis County, the number of gonorrhea cases reported between 2011 and 2018 increased by over 130%, from 1,482 to 3,423. In the state, the rate of gonorrhea during this time period increased by 10% among females but by over 67% among males. About 80% of individuals diagnosed with gonorrhea in 2018 were between the ages of 15 and 34.
In 2018, a total of 12,900 cases of syphilis were reported in Texas, which was an increase of about 109% over the number of cases reported in 2011. While any sexually active person can contract syphilis, men and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected. In Travis County, the rate of syphilis per 100,000 residents is 63.4, compared to the statewide rate of 44.9.
STDs are very common; in fact, the American Sexual Health Association reports that one in two sexually active people will contract an STD by age 25. Oftentimes, these types of infections have no symptoms, and being tested is the only way for someone to know if he or she has one. Undiagnosed STDs can have serious long-term consequences, such as infertility, cancer, secondary infections, and even early death. Fortunately, Austin residents have easy access to numerous free and low-cost STD testing centers.
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 Austin 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:
Austin’s Public Health Department operates several sexual health centers where clients can receive counseling, testing, and treatment for common STDs and infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. Case management is provided to clients who are homeless, pregnant, under 13 years old, or are at high risk of contracting HIV. Counseling services are free, and physical examinations and testing are available for a very small fee. The center is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. and then re-opens from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, clients must call the clinic.
15 Waller Street
Austin, TX 78702
Multiple Austin locations
512-972-5430
Austintexas.gov
Planned Parenthood operates several clinics in the Austin area, including the North Austin Health Center. Clients can receive a wide range of sexual health and reproductive services, including access to birth control, general health care, cancer screenings, and STD testing and treatment. STD testing may include a blood test, a physical examination, cheek or throat swabs, urine tests, or testing the sores, and test results come back to the lab within a few days to a few weeks. This center accepts most major health insurance plans, and clients without insurance may qualify for low-cost or free services. Clients should visit the clinic’s website or call to schedule an appointment.
9041 Research #250
Austin, TX 78758
Multiple Austin locations
512-257-1745
Plannedparenthood.org
AIDS Services of Austin offers free and confidential testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C, along with counseling and referrals for community resources and medical care. The center also has special programming for adults ages 18-29 in the LGBTQ community that includes education on STD prevention and PrEP/PEP services for individuals who may have been exposed to HIV. The clinic is open for testing on Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and the first and third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Clients do not need to make an appointment for testing.
1023 Springdale Road, Building 14, Suite A
Austin, TX 78721
512-600-8378
Asaustin.org
Lone Star Circle of Care is a nonprofit community health center that provides primary and behavioral health care services for all patients, including individuals without health insurance or the ability to pay for services. The center provides confidential STD counseling, testing, and treatment for adolescents and young adults ages 11-22 years and pregnant women. Appointments can be scheduled through the online patient portal or by calling during regular business hours. Same-day and next-day appointments are usually available.
1221 W. Ben White Boulevard, Building B, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78704
877-800-5722
Lscctx.org
ASHWell provides a wide range of sexual health services with no out-of-pocket cost, including HIV testing; PrEP and PEP; HIV treatment; testing and treatment for STDs, STIs, and hepatitis C; and vaccinations. The center also provides holistic therapies to minimize the side effects of medications and chronic illness. It is open on Monday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This clinic doesn’t accept walk-ins, and clients can schedule an appointment by calling or emailing the clinic.
8101 Cameron Road, Suite #105
Austin, TX 78754
512-467-0088
Ashwellatx.org