Free STD Testing in Richmond, VA

At-Home STD Testing

Testing for STDs at home is safe, convenient, and private. Performed regularly, it can help you stay healthy and avoid unknowingly transmitting STDs.

You have many options for at-home STD testing. The best at-home STD tests are FDA approved and evaluated for safety and accuracy with fast result turnaround times and support from health care professionals.

At-home STD testing kits should include instructions for collection and test registration, along with materials such as containers and swabs to collect and send your sample to the lab. Most at-home STD tests offer results in about five days through a secure online patient portal.
 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention records sexually-transmitted disease statistics for the nation and includes a breakdown of some STDs by metropolitan area. The Richmond area follows the state trends with regard to these three STDs, with reports of chlamydia and syphilis increasing from 2017 to 2018 while reports of gonorrhea decreased.

The total number of chlamydia cases recorded by the CDC in 2018 for the Richmond metro area was 8,845. That’s up by close to 300 cases from the previous year. From 2016 to 2017, chlamydia infections in the area actually decreased slightly after a rather large jump from 2015 to 2016.

The Commonwealth of Virginia, as a whole, documented 43,695 cases of chlamydia in 2018, with the bulk of incidents related to younger individuals. More than 11,000 chlamydia diagnoses were linked to adolescents age 15 to 19, for example. And more than 17,000 documented cases were for patients aged 20-24.

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 in Richmond 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:

The Richmond City Health District includes a number of clinics and locations where residents may seek free or low-cost health care and testing. The clinic on Cary Street specifically offers STI and HIV screening as well as immunizations and screening and treatment for other health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an hour closed for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. On the fourth Friday of a month, the clinic is closed after the lunch hour, and in any month with a fifth Friday, the clinic is closed all day for training.

400 East Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 482-5500
Website

The office for Minority Health Consortium is open on most weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The group offers free testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV as well as STI counseling to assist people newly diagnosed with or facing these diseases. The free testing may be offered through specific clinics, including the HELP Drop-In clinic, which sometimes takes place in the evening or at night to accommodate people who can’t access services during the day. You can access services via walk-up during those types of clinics or by appointment. Call the organization if you’re not sure if services are being offered at the exact time you want to seek them.

208 East Clay Street, Suite B
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 225-0820
Website

The foundation works to make HIV and STD testing more available to the LGBTQIA+ community. It also provides HIV services and counseling. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis testing is free Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The foundation also offers other services, including a food pantry, computer lab, and peer group support for HIV patients.

4794 Finlay Street, Suite1
Richmond VA 23231
(804) 716-7597
Website

Health Brigade provides a variety of clinical services, including primary care. It takes insurance but also offers a sliding scale for fees and free services, including HIV and STD testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia. HIV test results are disclosed the same day; it can take a week to get other results. A needle exchange program and condom distribution are also among the services offered by this organization.

1010 North Thompson Street
Richmond VA 23230
(804) 358-6343 ext. 1102
Website

This location also offers a variety of health services. It accepts insurance but also ensures everyone receives care despite their ability to pay. STD testing services include herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trich, BV, HIV, and genital warts. Condoms are provided as well as the HPV vaccine. You can make an appointment on the website.

201 North Hamilton Street
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 355-4358
Website

This service provides full care for HIV patients, including rapid, confidential testing. You can access testing whether or not you’re a patient of this organization. Testing is offered during business hours between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and the organization sometimes runs clinics for after-hours testing.

108 Cowardin Avenue
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 655-2794
Website

• https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/disease-prevention/hiv-aids-sexually-transmitted-disease-std-hepatitis-reports/
• https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats18/STDSurveillance2018-full-report.pdf
• https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats18/tables/6.htm
• https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/10/2019/08/Virginia-Chlamydia-2018-Annual-Report.pdf
• https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats18/tables/17.htm
• https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats18/tables/30.htm
• https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/10/2019/08/Virginia-Early-Syphilis-2018-Annual-Report.pdf
• https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/10/2019/08/Virginia-Gonorrhea-2018-Annual-Report.pdf