STD/HIV/HCV Program

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About Our Program

The goal of our program is to prevent, treat, and/or control the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Hepatitis C (HCV) to protect the health of the community. If you are sexually active, or planning to be, getting tested is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the health of you and your partner. The ONLY way to know for sure if you or someone else has an STD, HIV, or HCV is to get tested. 

What Causes STDs, HIV, and HCV?

  • Most commonly spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
  • Skin-to-skin genital contact can also spread STDs.
  • STDs are not caused by casual contact like hugging, holding hands, or toilet seats.
  • Infections such as HIV and HCV can spread through non-sexual routes such as drug and medical device sharing.

Signs and Symptoms

Many people who have an STD experience little or no symptoms. Others may experience:

  • Pain 
  • Swelling 
  • Unusual bumps, sores, or rashes
  • Itching and/or burning
  • Pain or burning when you pee
  • Discharge and/or blood from the genitals

Prevention Strategies

  • The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex (i.e., anal, vaginal, or oral).
  • Engaging in safer sex, including using condoms or dental dams. Correct and consistent use of condoms every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex can decrease your risk of infection.  
  • Reducing your number of sexual partners can decrease your risk of infection.
  • Staying up to date on vaccines is a safe and effective way to prevent Hepatitis A/B and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
  • Do not share syringes, drug preparation items, or medical devices with others.
  • Talk openly with your partner(s) about sexual health!

Our Services

Our Community Health Team is currently providing STD/HIV/HCV testing, counseling, and referral to services. Treatment is provided as needed.

Available Testing

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Hepatitis C
  • Herpes ($60)
  • HIV (Rapid)
  • Syphilis (RPR/TPPA)

Testing fees are based on a set of criteria. Some clients will have no fees. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay.

Available Treatment

  • BV
  • Chamydia
  • Chancroid
  • Genital Warts
  • Gonorrhea
  • Herpes
  • Non-Gonococcal Urethritis
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis

STD/HIV/HCV Testing Clinic Schedule

Beginning August 2, our Community Health Clinic at 18 Mulberry Street will be open to the public. Clinic services will be available by appointment - schedule an appointment here.

July 2021

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  1. Tuesday, July 27

    Immunizations and Child Lead Testing Clinic

  2. Wednesday, July 28

    Immunizations and STD/HIV/HCV Testing Clinic

  3. Wednesday, July 28

    SSANA

  1. Thursday, July 29

    STD/HIV/HCV Testing Clinic

  2. Monday, August 2

    HIV Testing Clinic

  3. Monday, August 2

    SSANA

  1. Tuesday, August 3

    Immunizations and Child Lead Testing Clinic

  2. Wednesday, August 4

    Immunizations and STD/HIV/HCV Testing Clinic

  3. Wednesday, August 4

    SSANA
View All Dates

In-Home HIV Self-Testing

Everyone with HIV benefits from getting early diagnosis and treatment because it allows them to live long, healthy lives and have no risk of sexually transmitting HIV to others. We are partnering with the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Community Health Institute (CHI) to expand support for HIV testing by offering in-home HIV self-test kits.

Accessing an in-home HIV self-test kit is simple and free of cost. To receive a kit:

  1. Call Public Health Nurse, Sascha Potzka, at 603-682-2885. 
  2. Complete a brief intake via phone call. 
  3. If eligible, you will receive an in-home HIV test kit mailed to you in confidential and discreet packaging. 
  4. Use directions in kit to take the test. The initial test result is available within 20 minutes. 
  5. If the test result is positive, call 603-682-2885 for confirmatory testing and follow up.

Reminders

  • Be sure to talk to a healthcare provider to complete the course of recommended treatment. 
  • Inform your sexual partner(s) of any positive test results so they can get tested and properly treated.
  • Do NOT resume sexual activities until a healthcare provider says its okay.
  • Talk openly with your partner(s) about sexual health!

NewsFlash

HIV and COVID-19

Although the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 for people living with HIV is not known, we do know that older adults and people who are immunocompromised may be at higher risk. The risk for individuals with HIV getting very sick with COVID-19 is greatest in people with a low CD4 cell count and people not on HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy or ART). As we continue to get through this pandemic together, we recommend:

  • People with HIV take everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of the virus. 
  • People with HIV who take HIV medicine should continue treatment and follow advice from their health care provider.
  • People who might be at risk for HIV should get tested. Testing is the first step in maintaining a healthy life and reducing the spread of HIV. 
  • All individuals should maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy, getting 8 hours of sleep, and reaching out for help if needed.

To learn more about HIV and COVID-19, visit the CDC.


For More Information: 603-589-4500