Volusia County Health Department Clinics to offer free STD tests April 18 -22.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News 

The Florida Department of Health recognizes April as STD Awareness Month and is looking to raise awareness regarding sexually transmitted infections and diseases. The goal of the Florida Department of Health is to help reduce STD-related stigma and provide actionable steps to stop the increase of STDs.

According to a release, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 20 percent of the U.S. population—one in five people in the U.S.—have a sexually transmitted infection on any given day. The CDC’s annual report shows STDs remain far too high. Even in the face of a pandemic, 2.4 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in 2020.

In response, all Volusia and Flagler County Health Department clinics will provide free STD screenings upon request April 18-22, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Locations throughout Volusia/Flagler include:

• 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach
• (Southside Health Zone) 421 S. Keech St., Daytona Beach
• 775 Harley Strickland Blvd., Orange City
• 717 W. Canal St., New Smyrna Beach
• 301 Dr. Carter Blvd., Bunnell

The screening process will allow specially trained healthcare providers and staff will evaluate, screen, and treat participants where appropriate. As a part of STD screening, we also provide confidential, routine HIV antibody screenings. Clinicians are also available for education on STDs and prevention methods.

For more information, call (386) 274-0509.