TABLE OF CONTENTS
David Richards MD
Summit Health Center
Streamwood Community Health Center
Elgin Health Center
Elgin Health Center
HIV Prevention Program
In Elgin, the most common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Data published by the Illinois Department of Public Health shows that all of these STDs were documented at a higher rate in 2017 over the previous year.
In 2018, the CDC reported that there were 77,325 documented cases of chlamydia in Illinois, which corresponds with a frequency of 604 infections per 100,000 people. This is considerably higher than the national rate of 539.9. The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region accounted for 60,221 of those cases for an even higher rate of 631.7. The majority of these infections (63%) were reported in females. However, between 2014 and 2018, the number of males who were diagnosed with chlamydia increased significantly. In 2014, 15,679 males in this region, or 335.7 per 100,000 males, were diagnosed with this disease. In 2018, the number increased to 22,204 for a rate of 475.6.
In 2018, the CDC documented 19,578 incidences of gonorrhea in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region. This is nearly a 6% increase over the number reported in 2017 and a 55% increase over the number of cases in 2014. Between 2014 and 2018, there was an increase of about 23% in the number of disclosed cases in females in the Elgin region. However, the increase among males was considerably more dramatic at nearly 82%. Statewide, those aged 20-24 are considerably more likely to be diagnosed with gonorrhea. Among those in this age bracket, gonorrhea was reported at a frequency of 871.3 out of 100,000 people.
Syphilis has become increasingly common in the nation as a whole and in metropolitan areas, such as the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region. In 2018, the CDC reported 4,069 cases of syphilis in this region, which is a 16% increase over the number of cases reported in the year prior and a 60% increase over the number recorded in 2014. Of the infections recorded in 2018, 1,280 were primary and secondary syphilis. Males are considerably more likely to be diagnosed with P&S syphilis, accounting for 1,176 reported cases in the Elgin region. Among females, the number of disclosed cases increased by 36% between 2014 and 2018.
While some people who have an STD have painful or uncomfortable symptoms, most don’t experience any symptoms or have symptoms so mild that they go unnoticed. Unfortunately, even STDs that don’t cause noticeable symptoms can have a long-term effect on the body. Those who don’t receive treatment for their STD may be at risk of infertility, sterility, vision loss, heart problems, and certain types of cancer. The CDC recommends that anyone who is sexually active should be tested for STDs at least once in their lifetime or more often, depending upon behavior. Elgin is home to several clinics that provide low-cost or free testing services, making it easy for infected individuals to receive prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Summit Health Center is operated by Greater Elgin Family Care Center and provides a variety of healthcare services for adults and seniors, including chronic disease management, preventative care services, free pregnancy testing, and STD testing and treatment. Appointments are required for services and can be made over the phone, and same-day or next-day appointments are typically available. The clinic accepts patients with and without health insurance, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. Uninsured patients may be eligible for the clinic’s sliding fee discount program and may have services fully discounted, depending on their income and family size.
373 Summit Street
Elgin, IL 60120
(847) 608-1344
Gefcc.org
Open Door Health Center is a sexual health and wellness services provider in the Greater Fox Valley region that offers comprehensive, stigma-free care, specifically for those in the LGBTQI+ community. It has certified counselors who can help clients assess their own risk of contracting HIV and STDs and provide education and referrals for supportive services. The center also provides confidential and anonymous testing at its Elgin location and at community events, schools, and other organizations. Testing is available at the Elgin clinic by appointment. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans are accepted, and qualifying individuals are charged based on a sliding scale.
1665 Larkin Avenue
Elgin, IL 60123
(847) 695-1093
Odhcil.org
Corbella Clinic offers free, confidential medical and support services for women, including pregnancy testing, medical and options counseling, sexual health education, and STD testing and treatment. Clients may be screened for STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, with a urine test, and results are available approximately one week later. Appointments are required for services and can be made over the phone or by filling out a request form on the clinic’s website. The clinic is open on weekdays with varying hours of operation, and all services are offered in Spanish and English.
101 E. State Street
South Elgin, IL 60177
(847) 697-0200
Corbellaclinic.org
VNA Health Center is located in Aurora, about 20 miles to the south of Elgin, and offers a wide array of health care services for area residents. Patients may receive simple and confidential STD testing. Those without health insurance may qualify for free testing and treatment. In addition to STD testing and treatment, the clinic provides other health services, such as mental and behavioral health, mammography, nutrition counseling, and podiatry. Appointments are needed for services and can be made by calling the clinic, and same-day appointments may be available.
400 N. Highland Avenue
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 892-4355
Vnahealth.com
Renz Addiction Counseling Center is a behavioral treatment center that provides addiction prevention and treatment services. This nonprofit agency offers an array of clinical services for those living with addiction, including drug and alcohol prevention services and community outreach programs. Its prevention program offers free testing for HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia for those who are at risk. Testing is available by appointment on-site or on a walk-in basis through the outreach program, which provides testing and counseling services at public venues, such as bars and parks.
1 American Way
Elgin, IL 60120
(630) 883-4941
Renzcenter.org