When city-wide ordinances shuttered many businesses in spring 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19, many areas of medical care were affected, including testing for STIs, or sexually transmitted infections.
The Hamilton County Health Department, the typical resource available in Hamilton County for regular STI testing, had to refocus and shift staff and resources toward the prevention and tracking of COVID, including widespread testing efforts. As a result, Cempa Community Care accommodated all of the incoming calls and requests for STI testing.
According to Sanda Bojorquez-Stockman, Director of Prevention, Education, and Outreach at Cempa, STI testing picked up significantly at Cempa once the clinic’s doors reopened in late spring. Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea nearly doubled compared to pre-pandemic times, but Cempa was able to accommodate the uptick in testing.
“We offer STI testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia for as low as $20. Financial assistance is available, and we bill to a patient’s insurance company when possible,” Stockman says. “We’ve been fortunate to have the resources to cover this large influx of testing.”
Holistic Patient Services
Cempa has always provided STI testing in the past, but taking on more clients from the Health Department meant a shift in services. The clinic still provides HIV and Hepatitis C testing free of charge to clients, which is especially recommended for clients through the STEP TN Syringe Exchange program. Stockman says they’ve recently added an RNA lab draw, as well, which detects and measures viral Hepatitis C RNA in the blood.
“Test results from these vital screenings enable us to link clients with treatment either through Cempa or their primary care provider,” Stockman says. “We also can connect them with prevention options for HIV like PrEP, when appropriate, or our holistic support services.” She encourages any individual to get tested and know their status.
“The majority of clients don’t necessarily show symptoms,” Stockman says. “We encourage everyone to practice self-care and self-awareness — don’t let your guard down. It’s vital to know your status and protect yourself from STIs.”
Contact Prevention Services at Cempa by calling 423.265.2273 to learn more or schedule a screening today.
