Free STD Testing in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Table of Contents

Free STD Testing in Fort Lauderdale, FL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. STD Directory in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
II. STD Trends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
III. Best STD Organizations in Fort Lauderdale, FL
IV. Sources

I. STD Directory in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

II. STD Trends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The most common STDs transmitted in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area are HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. The city had a much higher rate of infection than the national or state average in 2018 and 2019.

HIV

During the past decade, the growth of HIV infections in Broward County and Fort Lauderdale has eclipsed that of Florida. From 2010 to 2012, for example, Broward County’s HIV incidence rate was 79% worse than the state’s.

Communicable Disease Incidence Rates per 100,000 People, 2010 to 2012

More recently, in 2018, 646 people were diagnosed with HIV in Fort Lauderdale. The city’s rate of infection per 100,000 people was 1,315, much higher than the national rate of 375 for every 100,000 people. Almost 75% of people living with HIV in the city were men, and 46.3% of the city’s HIV patients were Black/African American. The number of new diagnoses was, however, about 9% lower than it was in 2017. The majority of new diagnoses occurred in Black/African American men between 25 and 44.

Chlamydia

From 2010 to 2012, Broward County’s chlamydia rate of infection was slightly worse than the state average. By 2019, the number of cases since 2012 had increased by about 72%, and 12,312 people were living with chlamydia in Broward County. This number was second in the state only to Miami-Dade County, which had 14,788 residents diagnosed with chlamydia. Out of this number, 7,183 or about 58% of cases were found in women. Non-Hispanic Black/African American females made up the majority of the county’s cases.

Chlamydia Cases in Broward County/Florida, 2006-2019

Gonorrhea

In 2019, there were 4,493 gonorrhea cases in Broward County. Out of this number, 74.4% were men, and 57.2% were non-Hispanic. The majority of cases were recorded in people aged 25 to 40, but many cases could also be found in the population aged 18 to 25. While the consistently rising number of cases in younger people could be a result of increased sexual promiscuity at a younger age, the large number of cases in older adults could show that risky behaviors typically categorized as “adolescent” are continuing into adulthood for many individuals. Florida’s rate of gonorrhea infections per 100,000 people was only 174.9, while Broward County’s rate was over 233.

Fort Lauderdale has prioritized curbing the spread of STDs among its citizens during the past decade. Still, the most effective way to prevent and control STDs lies in the hands of the residents and visitors of Fort Lauderdale. In the beginning, many STDs have no symptoms, but over time they can cause severe health problems. By practicing safe sex, getting tested regularly, and talking with your physician about any risky behaviors you engage in, you can decrease your risk of getting an STD and help stop the epidemic in Fort Lauderdale.

III. Best STD Organizations in Fort Lauderdale, FL

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 Fort Lauderdale 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:

Care Resource Community Health Centers

The Care Resource Community Health Centers in Florida provide the residents of Fort Lauderdale with free rapid HIV testing. The clinic also tests for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Fort Lauderdale’s local Care Resource Community Health Center offers treatment options and support services for individuals who test positive for any of these diseases. Free condoms are available as part of their efforts to reduce the spread of STDs.

871 W Oakland Park Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-567-7141
Website

The Broward Wellness Center

The Broward Wellness Center is operated through a partnership between the Florida Department of Health and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. It provides free HIV and STD screenings for the Fort Lauderdale community. Walk-in testing is available, and the center also offers affordable treatment for people who have been compromised. The clinic can link HIV-positive individuals to the primary care they need to manage the disease properly.

750 SE 3rd Avenue, 1st Floor
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-767-0273
Website

Out of the Closet Store Sunrise

Sunrise Out of the Closet is a thrift store, not a clinic, but it offers free HIV testing in a private part of their store. Their certified testing counselors use advanced testing technology and also provide prevention counseling. Tests are available in about 20 minutes, and there is no paperwork to fill out. No appointment is necessary. In place of a fee, the store accepts donations.

1785 East Sunrise Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
877-259-8728
Website

Fort Lauderdale Health Center

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County operates the Fort Lauderdale Health Center and provides free gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV testing for local residents. Appointments are required, and the hours for HIV testing vary. The health center recommends that individuals interested in being tested call in advance for further information.

2421 S.W. 6th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-467-4700
Website

Latinos Salud

Latinos Salud offers HIV and STD testing for gay and transgender Latino men and their partners. Their closest clinic to Fort Lauderdale is about 10 minutes away and located in Wilton Manors. The HIV and hepatitis C tests are rapid, so results are available within minutes. Consultations over pre-exposure prophylaxis medications, or PrEP, can also be arranged, Appointments need to be made ahead of time, and life coaching for men living with HIV is available.

2330 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954-765-6239
Website

CAN Community Health

CAN Community Health provides free hepatitis C, STD, and HIV testing to individuals in Fort Lauderdale regardless of their ability to pay. Some of their tests are rapid and available within minutes, while the blood draw tests can take up to two weeks to be returned with results. Anonymous and confidential screenings are available. The clinic also provides mental health and emotional support for individuals living with sexually transmitted diseases. Clients can talk with one of the clinic’s professionals for more information about HIV preventative services like PrEP.

1726 SE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
754-701-6920
Website

Free STD Testing in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Free STD Testing in Fort Lauderdale, FL

I. STD Directory in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

II. STD Trends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

HIV

Communicable Disease Incidence Rates per 100,000 People, 2010 to 2012

Chlamydia

Chlamydia Cases in Broward County/Florida, 2006-2019

Gonorrhea

III. Best STD Organizations in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Care Resource Community Health Centers

The Broward Wellness Center

Out of the Closet Store Sunrise

Fort Lauderdale Health Center

Latinos Salud

CAN Community Health

IV. Sources