In recognition of STI Awareness Month this April, the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) is highlighting efforts to combat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the community.
In recent years Colorado has seen substantial increases in STIs, and Weld County has been combating an upward trend in newly diagnosed HIV and Syphilis cases. The county currently ranks among the top six counties in Colorado for new HIV diagnoses, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). In 2023, WCDPHE began providing HIV testing and education to numerous individuals, focusing on connecting those who test positive with treatment and ongoing support programs.
“Early detection through regular testing is crucial in managing and preventing the spread of STIs,” said Annette Odell, WCDPHE Family Planning/STI Coordinator. “Many STIs can be asymptomatic, so routine screenings are essential for maintaining public health.”
WCDPHE’s full-service STI Clinic offers confidential screening and confirmatory testing at both of its Greeley and Fort Lupton clinics for individuals who want to test for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital herpes, HIV, and hepatitis C. Rapid tests are used for Syphilis and HIV screenings and may be requested when making an appointment. Rapid testing requires a finger stick to draw a drop of blood and results are available within 20 minutes.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling (970) 304-6420. For more information about STI services and resources, please visit www.weld.gov/go/STIclinic.
