Free STD Testing in Shreveport, LA

I. STD Directory in Shreveport, LA

II. STD Trends in Shreveport, LA

Shreveport is the seat of Caddo Parish and part of Public Health Region 7, also known as the Shreveport Region, in northwest Louisiana. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are the three most reported STDs in the Shreveport Region, which ranked fourth or higher for all three.

Chlamydia

Louisiana recorded nearly a 4.5% increase in chlamydia cases statewide in 2018, but chlamydia infections in the Shreveport Region actually dropped more than 3.5%. Despite the decrease, the region still ranked third-highest in chlamydia diagnoses compared to the other eight public health regions. It’s been ranked third since 2015, when it dropped from second place. The Shreveport Region accounted for 13% of the state’s total chlamydia infections in 2018, and cases in Caddo Parrish comprised more than 53% of the region’s total.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea infections in Louisiana dropped in 2018, but only by about one-quarter of a percent. Cases in the Shreveport Region made up 14% of the state’s total, where reported cases in 2018 dropped by nearly 7%. Caddo Parrish accounted for more than 61% of the region’s total. Until 2012, the Shreveport region had the highest gonorrhea diagnosis rate. It ranked fourth in 2016, shot up to second in 2017, then dropped back down to third in 2018.

Gonorrhea Diagnoses by Region: Louisiana, 2016-2018

Syphilis

Louisiana also saw a drop of about 1.5% in primary and syphilis diagnoses in 2018. The Shreveport Region represented 13% of the state’s total after recording a decrease of more than 7% and ranked fourth by region for its number of cases. This was the second consecutive year that P&S syphilis infections dropped in the region since it recorded a decrease of almost 36% in 2017. Caddo Parrish accounted for over 72% of the region’s total P&S syphilis cases in 2018.

When you have an STD that goes undiagnosed and untreated, you may spread the infection to others and face negative long-term health effects, such as organ damage, fertility issues, and even death. Prevention and early detection are vital to your health, so schedule STD testing with one of the many facilities in Shreveport and the surrounding communities offering free or low-cost STD services.

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III. STD Resources in Shreveport, LA

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 Shreveport 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:

LDH Caddo Parish Health Unit

The STD Clinic for Caddo Parish provides STD education, preventive health care, and referrals. You can receive counseling and low-cost testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It also offers partner notification, HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines, STD treatment, HIV linkage services, and free condoms. Any resident of Caddo Parish is eligible for services, and appointments aren’t required. The Clinic offers a sliding fee scale based on your income and operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

1035 Creswell Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71101
318-676-5222
Website

The Philadelphia Center

The Philadelphia Center is a nonprofit organization that offers free, confidential HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C testing to anyone in the community. Results are available in 20 minutes. Its GBT Health Center provides a full panel of STD testing and treatment for gay or bisexual men and transgender individuals. This service includes free, confidential HIV and hepatitis C testing, as well as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis testing and treatment. You must schedule an appointment for all services, which are offered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2020 Centenary Boulevard
Shreveport, LA 71104
318-222-6633 or 866-513-2863
Website

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

The LSU Health Sciences Center provides free conventional and rapid blood HIV testing. You can also schedule low-cost chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, herpes, and syphilis testing. It also offers HPV and hepatitis B vaccines for adults. The Center accepts private insurance and Medicare and requires appointments. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

6670 St. Vincent Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71106
318-862-9977
Website

LDH Bossier Parish Health Unit

Bossier Parish Health Unit offers free HIV testing and low-cost chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and syphilis testing. STD tests are $10 each, and pregnancy tests are $5, but it does offer a sliding fee scale. You can also schedule vaccines for HPV and hepatitis A and B. Anyone in need of family planning, birth control, or immunizations is eligible for services, but you must make an appointment. Services are available in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3022 Old Minden Road
Bossier City, LA 71112
318-741-7314
Website

St. Luke’s Episcopal Medical Ministry

St. Luke’s Episcopal Medical Ministry is a mobile medical ministry serving northwest Louisiana, including the Shreveport area and underserved communities in the Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Desoto, and Webster parishes. This volunteer group has been offering medical services since late 2008 from its mobile medical RV, including free basic/non-emergency health services and preventative health screenings, including limited STD testing. Volunteers also provide health education and medical referrals if you need follow-up care and don’t know where to go.

PO Box 53074
Shreveport, LA 71135
318-424-0156
Website

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IV. Learn From Our Sources

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