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A specialized Sexual Health Clinic with affordable rates soon will be available to Logan County residents as a result of a grant that was accepted Wednesday afternoon during the Logan County District Board of Health’s monthly meeting.
The local clinic, with a location at a Bellefontaine area medical provider’s office to be finalized and announced in the upcoming weeks, will provide a variety of services, including: reproductive health exams and screenings; free condoms and reduced cost birth control; free or reduced cost sexually transmitted disease and HIV testing; reproductive life planning; pregnancy testing; and HPV vaccinations.
Funded in part by the Ohio Department of Health and Title X monies, the program is a partnership between the Crawford, Logan, Marion and Union County health departments, with other clinic locations available in Marysville, Marion and Bucyrus.
“I’m really excited that we’ll be able to meet these needs for both men and women in our area,” Logan County Health District Nursing Director Kay Schroer said. “There are already some of these services available to local women, but it is also so needed for men as well.
“The clinic will help people with no insurance and offer a sliding fee schedule, and will be able to provide referrals to local providers if needed.”
Mrs. Schroer noted that while LCHD representatives were interested in housing the program at the health district’s office, there just wasn’t enough exam space available at the 310 S. Main St. building.
Discounted rates, Medicare, Medicaid managed plans and most private insurances will be accepted. Call (937) 642-2053 or toll free (888) 333-9461 for more information.
The Union County Health Department’s Web site also has additional details about testing and other clinic locations at the following link, www.uchd.net/sexual-health-services-clinic.
In other sexual health related matters, the nursing director also presented information about an online program through the Ohio HIV/STI Hotline, where area residents can sign up to receive free condoms that are shipped to their homes each month. She said it is as simple as logging onto www.ohiv.org, and then providing a shipping address.
The hotline is supported by Equitas Health and funding from the Ohio Department of Health.
Mrs. Schroer said she wanted to highlight this program while also relaying concerns about some of the rising STD rates in the county. She noted that there have been 50 chlamydia cases reported this year, compared to 21 cases reported at this time last year.
Also during the nursing report, Mrs. Schroer said 73 fewer flu vaccinations were administered for the 2015-16 flu season compared to the previous year, likely a result of the many locations where the vaccines are now available.
During the environmental health report, the board issued a citation for any interested parties to appear at the next meeting, 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, to show cause why a property at 7064 Hancock Drive, Russells Point, should not be condemned. Washington Township trustees had requested the condemnation of the property so that the structure can be removed.
Read complete story in Friday’s Examiner.
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