VW Health Dept. to reopen STD Clinic

VW County Health Department information

The Van Wert County Health Department announces that its STD Clinic will reopen on Monday, July 16. A walk-in clinic from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Clients must arrive at the Health Department no later than 3:30.

The agency will also offer exams by appointment on Tuesday and Wednesday, if necessary; however, times are limited for testing each week, as the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory does not accept specimens on the weekend. The cut-off time for sending specimens is Thursday morning. Anyone planning to attend the clinic must call before coming, so as to receive detailed instructions prior to the exam.

The testing supplies and medication for treatment are provided through ODH’s Infertility Prevention Program grant. The local agency will request a donation of $25 or less to cover the cost of the department nurse’s time, using a sliding fee scale developed by ODH. Clients will still need to present proof of income eligibility to determine the amount of donation required.

Those who pregnant, or think they may be, cannot be tested. If signs or symptoms are suspected in patient for an STD other than chlamydia or gonorrhea, the patient will be referred to a healthcare provider or given information on where to go for care. Physicians who would like to be on the department’s referral list should call Linda S. Bissonettte, RN-STD coordinator, at 419.238.0808, extension 101.

HIV testing is also available for those ages 13 and older. Some clients can also be tested for Hepatitis C, but they need to be at least 18 years old and meet grant criteria.

For more information, call the above number.