Georgia Coastal Health District

STD Testing and Treatment

STD testing and treatment, as well as FDA-approved contraception, are available at your local health department. All services are completely confidential.

Some of the medical services provided include:

• Comprehensive assessment including history and examination
• Provision of FDA-approved contraception
• Collection of specimens for specific laboratory tests, such as Pap smears, urinalysis, hemoglobin, gonorrhea, etc.
• Evaluation and management of sexually transmitted diseases and common gynecological problems
• Pregnancy testing and counseling

We also provide educational services, such as:

• Abstinence and pregnancy postponement counseling
• Reproductive and preventive health education
• Pre-conceptual counseling
• Counseling on risk factors associated with sexually transmitted diseases and HIV
• Substance abuse counseling
• Tobacco cessation counseling
• Violence and sexual abuse counseling and referral
• Counseling on risks and benefits of contraceptive methods

Get the Facts about STDs, what they are and how they can be prevented.

Home STI Test Kit – Pilot Program

The STD State Office has released its Home STI Test Kit pilot program. The home specimen collection kit offers a discreet method for patients to test for STIs.

The standard five test kit “includes urine testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis as well as whole-blood microtainer testing for HIV I, HIV II, and P24 antigen as well as whole-blood microtainer testing for Syphilis EIA. Gonorrhea and chlamydia testing is performed on the Hologic/Panther platform using the Aptima Combo 2 Assay. Trichomonas testing is performed using the Hologic/Panther platform and Aptima Trichomonas vaginalis assay. HIV-I antigen and total antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 is performed on the Cobas e602 Analyzer. Syphilis antibody testing is performed using the Roche Elecsys Syphilis Antibody test on the Cobas e602 Analyzer.”

Patients can obtain home STI test kits 2 ways:

• Patients can obtain test kits through our DPH STD Website: https://dph.georgia.gov/georgias-home-sti-self-test-kit
• Patients may obtain test kits from participating health district’s STD programs.

HIV Program

The Coastal Health District’s HIV Program provides medical treatment and case management services for those living with HIV/AIDS. Every county health department provides free HIV testing, and the Coastal Health District has clinics that provide HIV treatment in Savannah, Brunswick, and Hinesville.

Services offered through the HIV Program include HIV medical provider visits, labs related to HIV medical care, access to HIV medications, oral health care, nutritional assessment and counseling, care and treatment related to sexually transmitted infections, mental health counseling, and partner counseling and referral services. Transportation to medical appointments is available for clients as a part of the case management services provided.

The Coastal Health District’s HIV Clinic treats any HIV positive client over age 12, including those who have a CDC-defined AIDS diagnosis. Supportive services such as emergency financial assistance, food vouchers, housing assistance, support groups, etc., are available by referral through various community providers and partners.

To get started, visit our HIV Program Requirements page.

The Georgia Department of Public Health STD Office has a HIV/STD Infoline that offers risk assessments and risk reduction counseling as well as information about testing, treatment, care and related services. The toll-free number is (800) 551-2728.