Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (PPINK) announced today that it will offer free STD and HIV tests at participating health centers April 20-25 as part of the seventh annual GYT: Get Yourself Tested campaign.
GYT is a national campaign designed to promote sexual health and address the disproportionately high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — including HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea — among young people under 25. In the wake of the ongoing HIV outbreak in Indiana, health officials encourage all Hoosiers to get tested and know their status.
“Getting tested and using condoms is simply a basic part of staying healthy and taking control of your sex life,” said Betty Cockrum, president and CEO of PPINK. “We are proud to offer affordable STD testing and treatment, and sex education and information, to help ensure that people stay healthy and safe.”
From April 20-25, PPINK will offer free HIV/Chlamydia/Gonorrhea tests at select health centers in Indiana and Kentucky, along with personal, confidential counseling with one of our health professionals. Appointments are strongly encouraged, and individuals who wish to be tested should schedule an appointment online at www.ppink.org or call 800-230-PLAN (800-230-7526). The participating health centers are:
- Avon, 8102 Kingston St., Ste. 100
- Bloomington, 421 South College Avenue
- Columbus, 32000 Sycamore Court, Ste. 2C
- Evansville, 125 N. Weinbach, Ste. 120
- Fishers, 8937 Technology Drive
- Fort Wayne, 3914 W. Jefferson Blvd.
- Hammond, 7131 Indianapolis Blvd.
- Indianapolis Eastside, 9385 E. Washington St.
- Indianapolis Midtown, 3750 N. Meridian St., #100
- Indianapolis Southside, 935 E. Hanna Ave., Suite A
- Lafayette, 964 Mezzanine Drive
- Lexington, 268 Southland Drive, Suite 120
- Louisville, 1025 S. 2nd St.
- Merrillville, 8645 Connecticut St.
- Mishawaka, 3005 Grape Road, #B
- Muncie, 3550 West Fox Ridge Lane
- Terre Haute, 30 South Third Street
- Valparaiso, 2803 Boilermaker Court, #1-F
In March, Gov. Mike Pence declared a public health emergency in Scott County when a Southeastern Indiana HIV outbreak reached epidemic proportions. Although cases have been linked to injection drug abuse, sexual intercourse has been identified as a possible mode of transmission as the number of cases increase. (For PPINK’s recent statement on the HIV outbreak and public health funding, click here.)
“The good news is that nearly all STDs, including HIV, are treatable and many are curable,” Cockrum said. “The sooner you know your status, the sooner you can get treated and avoid any serious health problems that can result from untreated STDs.”
To find the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you, or to get more information on STDs and testing, visit plannedparenthood.org or call 800-230-PLAN.
