Weld County will be ramping up testing for sexually transmitted diseases in April, with test sites in Longmont and Greeley.

According to a press release from the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) continue to be on the rise every year in Weld County, across Colorado and the United States.

Weld County is offering a full-service STI clinic open year-round but will be conducting an outreach program for STI Awareness Month. The outreach clinics provide exams, testing, and treatment for all STIs, including HIV, for men and women. 

The outreach clinics will offer on-site testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis at no charge from 7 a.m. to noon on April 16. Tests will be offered as part of the 9Heath Fair at the University of Northern Colorado, University Center 2101 10th Avenue in Greeley.

“This event is a great opportunity for young people to get answers to their health questions in a perhaps more comfortable setting,” said Annette Odell, WCDPHE Family Planning/STI Coordinator.

Weld County reported chlamydia cases increased from 1,330 in 2020 to 1,417 in 2021; reported gonorrhea cases increased from 409 in 2020 to 435 in 2021; and reported syphilis cases in all stages increased from 39 in 2020 to 50 in 2021, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

With the increase in STIs, public health professionals recommend several ways to protect yourself and your partner if sexually active. Talk honestly and openly with your partner about reducing the risk of STIs.

“Talking about STIs with your partner can be difficult, but it’s key to staying healthy. These conversations could even bring you closer together,” Odell said.

Because numerous STIs don’t have symptoms, get tested regularly, and always use a condom or don’t have sex. All STI’s treatable, and most are curable according to WCDPHE.

At the STI clinic, tests are quick and usually painless; all services are confidential, and no parental consent is required. Fees at the clinic are on a sliding fee scale, and in some cases, you may qualify for a zero payment. Health First Colorado Medicaid is accepted. 

Clinic locations are:

Greeley Clinic:  1555 North 17th Ave., Greeley

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday

Phone: (970) 304-6420

Longmont Clinic: 4209 County Road 24 1/2, Longmont

Wednesdays only 8 a.m.-4: p.m.

Phone: (720) 652-4238

To make an appointment, call 970-304-6420, or for more information about the STI clinic, visit: https://www.weldgov.com/Government/Departments/Health-and-Environment/Clinical-and-Community-Health/Sexual-Health/STI-Clinic.