TABLE OF CONTENTS
Roberts and Stevens Medical Center
Lincoln Center
Tallahassee Health Center
Tallahassee is Florida’s capital and the county seat of Leon County. In 2019, Leon County had the highest occurrence of bacterial STDs compared to all other counties statewide. With 1,600.5 occurrences per 100,000 residents, its rate was more than twice as high as the state’s overall frequency of 758.0.
Chlamydia diagnoses have historically been higher in females than males. However, female cases in Leon decreased in 2018, while those among men rose, although the opposite occurred the following year. In 2019, there were 2,244 chlamydia cases in women for a rate of 1,437.7, significantly higher than the state frequency of 657.5. This number was greater than the 2,179 cases reported in 2018, but the 2018 diagnoses were lower than the 2,192 in 2017. Among males, 2019 saw 1,150 disclosures for a rate of 817.7, also significantly higher than the state rate of 386.9. This number was lower than the 1,167 reported in 2018, but the 2018 diagnoses were higher than the 1,148 reported in 2017.
Reported cases of gonorrhea have shifted up and down annually among both sexes in Leon County. Unlike many areas where infections among men far outweigh those of women, Leon County’s numbers are closer together, with the number of female cases sometimes taking the lead. Diagnoses among women increased from 471 in 2017 to 549 in 2018 but decreased to 519 in 2019. Male cases decreased from 559 in 2017 to 546 in 2018 but increased to 579 in 2019.
Leon County had 248 cases of syphilis in all stages in 2019. Cases among women nearly doubled from the previous year after quadrupling before that. However, diagnoses among male remained much higher than females, despite a slower rise. There were 81 cases among women in 2019, compared to 42 in 2018 and 10 in 2017, and four of the 108 cases of congenital syphilis documented by the Centers for Disease Control in 2018 were in Leon County. Among men, 167 diagnosis of syphilis in all stages were reported in 2019, compared to 146 in 2018 and 66 in 2017.
STDs are serious illnesses and among the most contagious diseases, even when an infected person isn’t displaying symptoms. If left untreated, STDs can compromise fertility and even lead to death. However, prompt treatment can lead to a full recovery in most cases. Testing is the only sure way to confirm an STD diagnosis. Fortunately, many organizations in Tallahassee offer free or low-cost STD screening and treatment.
Leon County’s Department of Health sponsors confidential testing, treatment, and counseling for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes at the Roberts and Stevens Medical Center. It also offers rapid blood HIV testing and HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines. Services include confidential partner notification and treatment on a voluntary basis. Most services are provided on a sliding scale fee based on the individual’s ability to pay. General office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
1515 Old Bainbridge Road
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Multiple Tallahassee locations
850-404-6400
Website
Big Bend Cares is a private, nonprofit organization that provides free, confidential rapid testing for HIV and syphilis from its Care Point Health and Wellness medical facility. Patients can also receive medical, dental, pharmacy, and mental health services, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. HIV/STD testing is available by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with results available in 30 minutes. Big Bend Cares also sponsors free, confidential HIV and syphilis testing at various community events throughout the area.
2200 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-354-8765
Website
The Neighborhood Medical Center at Lincoln Center offers conventional blood HIV testing and STD testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B. It also provides primary care, dental, on-site lab, and mental health services, as well as hepatitis B vaccines, TB screenings, prescription medications from its on-site pharmacy, and vision screening. Individuals aren’t turned away based on their ability to pay. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and it stays open until 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month.
438 West Brevard Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-224-2469
Website
Positive Health Alliance is a nonprofit organization that offers confidential testing and treatment for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B and C. It provides HIV and STD education, reviews all lab/test results with each patient, and ensures treatment begins right away for positive results, regardless of the person’s ability to pay. The organization helps patients access PrEP medications following a negative HIV test result or PEP medications after possible exposure and has free condoms. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2121 West Pensacola Street, Suite B2
Tallahassee, FL 32304
888-752-2267
Website
Bond Community Health Center offers free, confidential HIV testing, prevention and risk reduction products, HIV care, and education for the North Florida-Big Bend area. It also provides chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes testing, and HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines. Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid are accepted, but services are provided regardless of ability to pay. Appointments are required. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Fridays, and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month.
1720 South Gadsden Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-576-4073
Website