TABLE OF CONTENTS
Lincoln Family Planning
Community Health Services Division
Lincoln Satellite Office
Urban Indian Health Program
Lincoln South Health Center
Lincoln, NE, is the seat of Lancaster County, one of the state’s 93 counties, and its capital. The county’s three most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Gonorrhea and syphilis had dramatic upticks in 2018, while chlamydia infections tapered off slightly.
After increasing every year since 2009, the number of chlamydia infections took a slight dive in Lancaster County during 2018. This was mirrored across Nebraska and was a departure from the nation’s chlamydia rates, which continued to rise. Of the state’s 8,026 cases, over 20% occurred in Lancaster County. Young adult females typically are diagnosed more with chlamydia infections, specifically those in the 20-24 age group. This trend is reflected in Nebraska’s 2018 report with the documented rate in females at 544.0 and males only 291.1 per 100,000 persons. Similarly, the 20-24 age group accounted for over 38% of chlamydia diagnoses.
Unfortunately, gonorrhea infections have jumped significantly in Lancaster County, from 403 in 2016 to 649 in 2018, a 61% increase. Nebraska and the United States also had large spikes between 2016 and 2017. In 2018, Nebraskan gonorrhea infections seemed to be distributed fairly evenly between the sexes —135.4 in females versus 145.4 for males per 100,000 persons. As was the case for chlamydia, persons aged 20 to 24 reported infections more frequently, although 25-29-year-olds were only slightly behind in caseloads.
Significant upswings of P&S syphilis cases took place in Lancaster County and Nebraska during 2018. The number of infections in the county rose over 200% in one year, and the state surged over 176%, which are both much higher than the U.S. growth rate of 14%. While these increases are alarming, Nebraska’s rate per 100,000 persons places it 34th out of the 50 states, and the county is 12th among Nebraska’s counties. Most of the P&S syphilis cases were recorded among males, who account for 105 of the state’s 119 cases. Although the spread between age groups for syphilis diagnoses is more uniform than with other STDs, young adults aged 25 to 29 had the highest rate per 100,000 persons of 18.2, just ahead of those aged 20 to 24 at 15.2.
Untreated chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infections can cause a host of health complications, from mild rashes that can increase a person’s risk of catching the AIDS virus to pelvic inflammatory disorder and infertility in women. Late stages of syphilis infections (tertiary) can result in organ failure and even death. Since these STDs and many others may only show symptoms for a brief period, it’s essential that sexually active adults get tested regularly. Once tested, treatment by an antibiotic or supportive care can significantly reduce the chances of negative long-term effects. Many clinics and health centers in Lincoln, NE, offer STD screening, either for free or at reduced costs, to help stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
The Nebraska AIDS Project was founded in 1984 to support residents in Nebraska, along with select counties in Iowa and Wyoming. The nonprofit organization provides resources for community-based projects and federal and state advocacy. In addition to providing in-person HIV and STD screenings, NAP mails at-home HIV test kits completely free of cost. Clients wishing to obtain a test or schedule an appointment can do so via the organization’s website. In addition, NAP supplies condoms to-go through the mail, free of charge.
1919 South 40th Street, Suite 320
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-476-7000
Website
The Sexual Health Clinic operated by the city of Lincoln offers two types of STD testing opportunities. Clients can meet with an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse for an in-person examination along with STD screening. Another option is to stop by to deposit a urine specimen for chlamydia and gonorrhea lab testing only. Appointments are required for all visits, including urine collections, and hours vary. The clinic has set fees for testing, which are posted on its website.
3131 O Street, 1st Floor
Lincoln, NE 68510
402-441-8065
Website
This nonprofit organization focuses on the needs of urban Native American Indians, specifically those living in Lincoln, Omaha, and Sioux City, IA. Some of the programs sponsored by the NUIHC include aging support, substance abuse counseling and treatment, and community outreach. STD and HIV testing are provided through its Medical Center. Although the organization’s main emphasis is on Native American Indians, it offers aid to anyone. The NUIHC accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most health insurance, in addition to providing discounted rates to low-income residents. The Medical Center in Lincoln is typically open Monday through Friday, but patients should call first to verify hours.
2331 Fairfield Street
Lincoln, NE 68521
402-434-7177
Website
Family Health Services offers reproductive health care for men, women, and teens. All fees are negotiable and based on a sliding scale, and the agency accepts credit cards and most insurances. Urine tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea are available as well as finger sticks for HIV. Family Health Services recommends and performs yearly testicular exams and pap tests and provides birth control prescriptions and free condoms. Hours vary during the week, with the clinic open all mornings and all afternoons except for Fridays. Appointments are required, and the Family Health Services has medical history forms available on its website to complete in advance.
630 North Cotner Boulevard, Suite 204
Lincoln, NE 68505
402-466-1012
Website
Offering in-person and telehealth services, the Lincoln Planned Parenthood Office supports the sexual health care needs of adults and adolescents. Appointments can be scheduled via the convenient online calendar, although walk-ins are accepted for most services. The center provides STD screening along with appropriate treatments and preventative vaccines, if applicable. Reproductive services include contraception, pregnancy testing, and prenatal support. The center is open daily during the week, Wednesday evenings, and the second Saturday of each month. Planned Parenthood accepts most insurances and Nebraska Medicaid and offers sliding scale fee adjustments and payment plans.
5631 South 48th Street
Lincoln, NE 68516
877-811-7526
Website