TABLE OF CONTENTS
Russell County Health Department
West Central Health District
Empower Program
Susie D Allen Health Center
In 2019, the three most common STDs in Columbus, Georgia, were chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. There were 2,561 cases of these STDs documented in Muscogee County.
In 2019, Muscogee County reported 1,901 chlamydia cases. The county recorded a decadal low of 1,412 cases in 2012, with a continuous increase until 2017. However, Grady Memorial Hospital began submitting its chlamydia data in 2016, contributing to that year’s increase. A modest reduction in cases occurred from 2017 to 2018, before a subsequent jump to the 2019 total. Over the same time period, the number of infections among females of all ages slightly decreased from 1,315 to 1,302 — this is more than double the number of documented cases among males of all ages, which rose from 427 to 553.
In 2019, there were approximately 560 cases of gonorrhea in Muscogee County. This corresponds to an infection rate of 286 per 100,000 residents, with a higher total frequency in males than in females; the statewide trend contrasts with this, with infections occurring more often in females and adolescents aged 14-24. In Muscogee County, the highest infection rates among males occurred to those aged 20-24, while in females, the most diagnosed age group was 15-19. These discrepancies may reflect differences in first-time sexual activity, contraception usage, and regular STD screening.
In 2019, Muscogee County recorded 10 cases of primary and 20 cases of secondary syphilis. Of the 10 incidences of primary syphilis, nine were attributed to males and one to females; of the 20 incidences of secondary syphilis, 14 were attributed to males and six to females. The overall number of both primary and secondary syphilis cases slightly increased over the three-year span from 2017 to 2019. At the state level, documented cases of primary and secondary syphilis have been rapidly rising since 2010, reaching a combined 1,489 cases in 2017.
Regular STD testing is an effective way for sexually active adults and adolescents to stay healthy. It’s possible to contract an STD and have little to no noticeable symptoms. If left untreated, serious complications can arise, including infertility, cancer, and premature death. If you are without health insurance or have reservations about sharing your sexual history with your doctor, there are several free and low-cost options for STD testing in Columbus, Georgia.
The Columbus Health Department operates as a community-oriented healthcare resource for Muscogee County residents. A range of public health services is available, including WIC voucher pickup, environmental health programs, and clinical STD screening and treatment. The Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic also provides HIV counseling, testing, and discreet partner notification. It accepts patients from Alabama and Fort Benning, Georgia; however, they’re required to pay full costs. Appointments can be made by calling the general clinic or office phone number.
5601 Veterans Parkway – Lower Level
Columbus, GA 31902
706-321-6300
Website
Valley Healthcare System, a nonprofit health care organization, offers primary care and specialty services to residents throughout the Chattahoochee Valley, regardless of their financial situation. Services include behavioral and women’s health programs, pediatrics, dental and vision care, and STD diagnosis and treatment. Patients are encouraged to schedule an appointment by telephone, and a limited number of slots for same-day appointments are filled according to the severity of illness. Valley Healthcare System accepts most public and private insurance, and a sliding fee discount program is available for those who are eligible.
1600 Fort Benning Road
Columbus, GA 31903
706-322-9599
Website
American Family Care is a nonemergency primary, urgent, and family care practice with over 200 franchises across dozens of states. In addition to the aforementioned care options, AFC also offers routine checkups, vaccines, flu shots, X-rays, physicals, and on-site lab services, including STD testing. Walk-in lab tests have a turnaround time ranging from a few minutes to a couple of days, depending on the test. Other services allow walk-in treatment, or patients can call to schedule an appointment. AFC accepts most insurance policies.
6509 Gateway Road
Columbus, GA 31909
706-214-2644
Website
MedCare provides comprehensive health care services to Columbus area residents. Available services include aftercare, vaccinations, occupational medicine, physical exams, and on-site medical lab tests, such as STD and HIV screening. MedCare accepts most major insurance policies, including Aetna, Humana, BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia, and Medicare. Family Practice patients must schedule an appointment, while walk-in Urgent Care patients are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. New patients can download a registration form from the website to complete before their first appointment to save time.
5612 Whitesville Road
Columbus, GA 31904
706-322-2223
Website
Walmart Care Clinics offer a variety of health care services at a lower cost, with the aim of becoming the patient’s primary medical provider. Services vary by location and include primary care, counseling, optometry, health screening, and STD testing and treatment. Care Clinics accept both walk-ins and appointments, which can be scheduled over the phone. Original Medicare is the only type of insurance accepted, so patients with Medicare managed care or Medicaid plans should expect a co-pay when planning a visit to the clinic.
5448 Whittlesey Boulevard, Suite B
Columbus, GA 31909
706-225-5681
Website