In a move to address rising concerns over sexually transmitted infections, the Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) is stepping up by offering free screenings this Thursday, April 17, and Friday, April 18, as part of STI Awareness Week, which puts a spotlight on STIs and their impact on community health annually from April 13 through the 19. The free walk-in screenings will be available from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lentz Public Health Center, though it's worth noting they're closing for a lunch break between noon and 1 p.m., and the cut-off time for last walk-in clients is set at 2:30 p.m., as reported by the MPHD on April 15th.
Dr. Sanmi Areola, Director of Health, emphasized the preventive nature of such initiatives, affirming that "Testing, investigating and treating Sexually Transmitted Infections is one way the Metro Public Health Department works to prevent the spread of such infections, and thus protect the health of our residents as part of the broad effort to create an environment where optimal health is achievable by all," and stating everyone could contribute through safe practices and regular screenings to create a healthier community, this in a duo of statements to Nashville.gov.
Quite alarmingly, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that in 2023 over 2.4 million STIs were diagnosed and reported in the U.S.—including more than 209,000 cases of syphilis, of which 3,882 were cases of congenital syphilis, a severe infection passed from someone who is pregnant to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth that could lead to grave health complications for the newborn.
Beyond screenings, the MPHD’s Sexual Health Center is extending treatment for STIs, providing sexual health education and supplies along with PrEP and other services Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; appointments can be nailed down by dialing 615-340-5670, normally there's a $10 fee for an STI screening but this time, if you get a positive result, you won't have to wait to access treatment immediately—treatment which is crucial in effectively managing or curing many STIs hence curbing further transmission, as the MPHD news release highlighted.
