Health departments in the Coastal Health District are offering free testing events for sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, during STI Awareness Month in April.

STI testing is always available without an appointment during clinic hours at health departments in coastal Georgia. But during these special events, STI testing will be offered at no cost. A full list of free STI testing events is attached to this email and available online at coastalhealthdistrict. org.

One in five people in the U.S. has an STI. Many infections don’t have obvious symptoms at first, but if left untreated, they can cause severe, longterm health problems and spread to partners.

STI testing is important for anyone who is sexually active, including adolescents, adults, and pregnant women. STIs can cause serious health problems for pregnant moms and can be passed to their unborn babies.

The good news is, all STIs can be treated, and most can be cured. Routine STI testing can help individuals get treatment early, protect their health, and have open, informed conversations with partners. Testing is quick, confidential, and often easier than people expect.

In 2024, more than 2.2 million STIs were reported across the United States. Overall, rates have declined in recent years but are still much higher than STI rates of a decade ago, reinforcing the need to continue prioritizing STI prevention, testing, and treatment.