Aiken Launches New Sexual Health Clinic to Combat STIs
Aiken, SC – In a significant move to address public health, Rural Health Services (RHS) has recently launched a new Sexual Health Clinic aimed at providing essential services for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. This initiative, which was officially unveiled this July, falls under a broader effort to enhance awareness and treatment options for infectious diseases that have persisted long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Focus on Community Health
According to Grayson Ross, the program manager who established the clinic, many individuals in the community remain unaware of the prevalence of diseases such as HIV, STIs, and Hepatitis C. Ross emphasized the importance of getting tested: “Many people are scared to get tested, which allows infections to spread in the community without being detected.” He pointed out that, despite all STIs and HIV being either curable or treatable, fear often holds people back from seeking necessary care.
Data from 2019 reveals a concerning trend within the community; Aiken reported the fourth highest rate of syphilis among all counties in South Carolina. Moreover, Augusta, which lies just across the state line, held the sixth highest rate of STI infections nationwide. With the establishment of the Sexual Health Clinic, RHS aims to significantly reduce these troubling statistics in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).
Services Offered
The clinic, located at the Emanuel-McClain Women and Children’s Health Center at 995 Clyburn Place, offers a range of services including comprehensive testing, treatment, and preventive care for various STIs. Medications such as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and DoxyPEP are available and prove highly effective in preventing infections. In addition to medication, the clinic provides education, counseling, vaccinations, and various preventive measures.
Addressing Disparities in Health Care
There’s a special focus on the disparities affecting Black and Latino communities, who suffer disproportionately from HIV/AIDS and other STIs. Ross stated, “We have the ability to end the HIV epidemic and other infectious diseases in our lifetime. Public health initiatives must acknowledge the history of structural racism and trauma that has affected these communities.” This initiative reflects a commitment to not only treatment but also to fostering understanding and trust within the healthcare system.
Community Involvement and Launch Event
RHS is set to officially introduce the Sexual Health Clinic to the community on Wednesday, September 4, by holding a launch event at the Emanuel-McClain Health Center. From noon until 4 p.m., individuals will have the opportunity to receive free STI and HIV testing, a crucial service that encourages awareness and prevention.
During the event, various vendors, many of whom are members of the Sexual Health Community Advisory Committee, will offer educational materials and resources to the attendees. This collaborative approach emphasizes the importance of community involvement in addressing public health challenges.
Getting Involved
For those interested in accessing the clinic’s services or learning more about the health initiatives being implemented, additional information is available by visiting ruralhs.org. It’s important for everyone in the community to recognize the significance of sexual health and the resources available to them.
RHS hopes the launch of the Sexual Health Clinic will encourage open discussions around sexual health and lead to a healthier community overall.
