During the month of April, the Orange County Health Department (OCHD) recognizes Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Awareness Month by encouraging people to become educated and empowered about STD infections. The public also needs to know the methods of prevention, signs and symptoms, treatments available, and services offered to local communities as part of public health. STDs include human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, and HIV. These diseases continue to be the most commonly reported infectious diseases in our area and the nation.

“Most STDs are easily diagnosed and treated, but they often have no symptoms and go undetected. When not found or treated, the disease continues to spread and can impact the health of others,” said Dr. Kevin M Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.

The health department along with Hope and Help Center, and the Orange Blossom Family Health Center will be offering free Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, rapid HIV, and Syphilis testing at the following locations and dates: 

• April 7, 2012 from 9:00am - 3:00pm- Sam’s Club, 7810 W. Colonial Dr. Kirkman Rd, Orlando (Cancelled)
• April 11, 2012 from 10:00am - 3:00pm- UCF, 4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando
• April 11, 2012 from 9:30am - 2:00pm- La Esperanza Apartments, 5900 Park Hamilton Blvd., Orlando
• April 12, 2012 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm- L.A. Fitness, 1560 E. Silver Star, Ocoee
• April 14, 2012 from 9:00am – 3;00pm- Walgreens, 2550 N. Hiawassee Rd. Orlando
• April 18, 2012 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm- YMCA, 870 N. Hastings St. Orlando
• April 21, 2012 from 9:00am – 3:00pm- Sam’s Club, 7810 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando
• April 25, 2012 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm- Timberleaf Apartments, 5435 Timberleaf Blvd. Orlando
• April 28, 2012 from 9:00am – 3:00pm- Walmart, 2500 S. Kirkman Rd. Orlando

In 2011, a total of 8,146 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were reported in Orange County; a 1% increase from the 8,084 cases reported in 2010. Orange County accounted for 8.1% of the reported cases statewide. Public providers tested 22% of the reported STD cases and treated 24% of all reported cases. 

Anyone sexually active should talk to their partner and a doctor about risk factors, get tested, and if necessary, get treated to avoid additional health problems.  For more information on STD testing and treatment, go to www.orchd.com/personalHealth/std/index.asp. or www.cdc.gov/Features/STDAwareness/.