To prevent the spread of STDs and HIV, the City of Milwaukee provides several free health resources for sexual health. Alderman Khalif J. Rainey encourages all city residents to get tested regularly for STDs through the city’s free screening program.

The city’s STD and HIV program educates area healthcare providers and city residents about common sexual health concerns. The program also offers free and confidential screenings for STDs, including HIV and syphilis. To get tested, city residents can visit Keenan Central Health Clinic, 3200 N. 36th St., on a walk-in basis. The clinic also provides Hepatitis B vaccinations, confidential HIV counseling, and condoms.

Milwaukee has recently seen an uptick in HIV and syphilis cases with at least 125 people being infected by one of these diseases. This “cluster” of cases is significantly affecting the lives of adults, high school students, and babies. Some STDs like HIV cannot be cured, but they can be prevented. Both HIV and syphilis are can be prevented by knowing a partner’s sexual health status and using protection during sex. By understanding sexual health and the seriousness of STDs, city residents can protect themselves from contracting or spreading these diseases.

“The easiest way to stop the spread of STDs is to know your status. When free and confidential testing is used by everyone, we can improve the health and safety of our community as a whole,” said Alderman Rainey. “I urge Milwaukeeans to get tested and take full advantage of the health programs the city offers. We can stop the spread of these diseases by educating ourselves and others about the dangers of unprotected sex and STDs.”

For more information about the Milwaukee Health Department’s STI and STD resources, please visit http://bit.ly/2IccZKp or call the Keenan Central Health Clinic at (414) 286-3631.