EVERETT — A new clinic dedicated to low-barrier testing, treatment and prevention services for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) officially opened Dec. 1 at the Snohomish County Health Department, 3020 Rucker Ave., Everett.
The clinic has:
• Testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, as well as both rapid testing and blood draws for HIV, and
• Treatment options available for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis for individuals and their partners.
Appointments are strongly encouraged but not required for the new clinic. Walk-ins will be seen as time allows. Appointments are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The services are at no cost for people who are without health insurance, a regular health care provider, or who are unable or uncomfortable with seeking testing or treatment through their regular provider or clinic.
For more information on these items, please visit www.snohd.org/STIClinic.
The public clinic’s opening happens at a time when cases are up. Last year, Snohomish County saw 94 cases of syphilis. In 2021, it saw 2,309 cases of chlamydia and 797 cases of gonorrhea.
Public health officials said previously that the in-house clinic should be able to shorten the turnaround time that elapses from when someone tests positive to when sexual partners get notified, helping break the chain of transmission.
The county’s public health agency previously had a clinic, but it closed in 2009 due to funding.
The county health department also provides HIV testing, sexual health education, partner counseling, and referrals for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
The health department reminds to get tested if you are sexually active, particularly if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, to talk to your partner or partners about their sexual health history and to use protection. Even if you use other methods for birth control. A condom helps protect against multiple STIs while a pill or implant will not.
