Health Unit Sexual Health Clinic Changes Coming June 10
June 6, 2024
As of June 10, there will be some changes to the availability of sexual health clinic appointments and services:
- Brockville clinic will now have extended Thursday hours from 11:00am-7:00pm. There will not be a clinic on Mondays.
- Gananoque, Perth and Carleton Place are by appointment only, no walk-ins
- PAP testing will no longer be offered at Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit sexual health clinics.
These changes have been made as a result of changing demographics in sexually transmitted diseases and a review of community needs and organizational capacity. The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit sexual health clinics are available in seven different locations across Leeds, Grenville and Lanark.
Accessing appointments at local Sexual Health clinics is easier with the Health Unit’s new online booking system, however anyone without a computer can still call the Health Unit directly to arrange an appointment. Clinics in Brockville, Smiths Falls, Kemptville and Almonte may also be able to offer services to walk-ins, however appointments are highly encouraged.
Staff are non-judgemental, welcoming those of all ages, genders and sexual orientations into safe and positive spaces. Clients who attend these clinics do not need to have a health card or a primary health care provider.
The following services will continue to be offered at the clinics:
- Sexually Transmitted Infection testing and treatment at no cost
- Immunization if eligible (HPV, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MPOX)
- Counselling about relationships and sexual health decision-making
- Other sexual health services such as low-cost and free birth control and pregnancy counselling and referrals
The Health Unit also has a Nurse Practitioner in some clinics, which has allowed for expansion of services to include IUD placement and removal, as well as addressing more complex sexual health issues. This helps to reduce barriers to clients by providing a rapid pathway to a provider, providing sexual health services to clients who do not have a primary care provider, and by reducing the number of visits clients need to make in order to receive care.
The Health Unit also is involved with the GetAKit program that provides at-home testing for HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections. These kits can be ordered directly from the Health Unit website and are mailed to your home at no cost.
The healthunit.org website is full of great information that you can browse anytime, which includes a specific section on clinics and classes as well as a health information button which provides more general information about sexual health. Social media accounts such as Facebook, X and Instagram allow for important updates and direct messaging from clients.
Anyone seeking additional information can reach out through our email address: [email protected] or call the toll free number: 1-800-660-5853 to speak confidentially to a public health nurse.
Contact
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