About...

The Sexual Health Program offers a range of quality services, including prevention, education, testing, diagnosis, treatment and control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), to help improve sexual health in Columbus.

The Sexual Health Clinic recommends STD and/or HIV testing to anyone who:

• Has had oral, anal, or vaginal sex and did not use latex condoms or barriers
• Shares needles to inject drugs or has sex with someone who does
• Feels he/she may have been exposed to, or has signs of, and STD or HIV

SHAC- Sexual Health Awareness Clinic

Program Services

Sexual Health Clinic – The walk-in clinic offers:

• STD exams, tests, and treatment – Diagnosis and treatment are available for STDs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, Trich, and Genital warts.  The clinic has an on-site lab which provides clients with some of their test results while they wait.  This allows for same-day treatment.  The clinic staff provides information about STDs and ways to prevent infections.  Staff can link clients to other community resources such as medical follow-up, social services, and crisis intervention.
• HIV Education and testing – Confidential and anonymous testing for HIV infection are offered at the clinic.  Confidential means that the person testing gives his or her name.  Test results will be part of the medical chart.  Persons needing a copy of their results must test confidentially and bring ID.  Anonymous testing means that the person testing is identified only by a number, not by name.  There will be no record of test results. 

Community Outreach

The outreach staff targets their efforts to people who engage in activities that put them at high risk for STDs and HIV.  High risk activities include substance abuse, prostitution, and men having sex with men.  The staff provides one-on-one education to reduce specific risks for infection.  Outreach services also provide testing options for those who cannot come to the Health Department.

Support Services

• HIV Early Intervention Coordinator – licensed social worker who assists people who have tested positive for HIV.  The social worker provides support, counseling, and HIV education.  Referrals can be made for services such as medical care, support groups, counselors, and legal and financial aid.
• Partner Notification – involves the notification of sex partners who have been exposed to Syphilis or HIV.  Specially trained Disease Intervention Specialists are available to assist clients, and will, by law, keep the client's identity anonymous.

 Education and Prevention

• Educational Programming – Program staff provide HIV and STD education to individuals and/or organizations upon request.  Educational programs are developed around the specific needs of the organization requesting services.
• Programming for Minority and other communities – The program coordinator for Minority communities works with other community organizations and ensures programs and services are accessible and culturally sensitive.
• Policy/Program Consultation – Program staff provide assistance to organizations such as child care agencies, law enforcement agencies, schools, and workplaces in the development and implementation of HIV-related programming and policies.
• HIV/AIDS surveillance – Program staff maintain the Franklin County AIDS surveillance system.  The system is part of the national HIV/AIDS reporting process.  Local HIV and AIDS data are collected, analyzed, and used for program and community planning, disease prevention strategies, surveillance reports, and educational purposes.
• Educational Materials – a variety of educational materials are available.

Who Is The Program For?

The Sexual Health Clinic recommends STD and/or HIV testing to anyone who:

• Has had oral, anal, or vaginal sex and did not use latex condoms or barriers
• Shares needles to inject drugs or has sex with someone who does
• Feels he/she may have been exposed to, or has signs of, and STD or HIV

How To Use The Program

The clinic operates on a walk-in basis only.  No appointments can be made.  The exams are on a first come, first serve basis and once slots fill up, the clinic is closed for the day. 

Cost

A minimal charge is requested to help cover costs.  HIV testing with OraQuick is free.  Payment for services can be made through 3rd party payers such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Caresource.

Location

The Sexual Health walk-in Clinic is housed at Columbus Public Health. 
Services are available at many locations. 
Please call 645-7772 for assistance.

Hours

Please Note: On May 15, 2008 (Thursday), the Sexual Health Clinic will be closed.

Program Publications

2004 Central Ohio HIV/AIDS Housing Plan (PDF)
A comprehensive, five- year plan for the use of resources to maintain and expand affordable housing options for people infected with HIV in the eight-county region of Central Ohio.

Resources and Links

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

The Ohio Department of Health has information on HIV and STD Prevention.

Visit Columbus' Syphilis Elimination website.

Contact Us

(614) 645-7772
Health@columbus.gov