Austin Public Health’s Sexual Health Clinic Addresses Rising STI Rates in Travis County During National Public Health Week

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Public Health (APH) is raising awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Travis County while highlighting resources during National Public Health Week, which runs April 3-9. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preliminary data suggests STDs continue to increase across many groups in the United States in 2021. Previous data show that some racial and ethnic minority groups, gay and bisexual men, and our nation’s youth continue to experience higher rates of STDs.

A rise in the need for sexual health resources was evident at APH’s Sexual Health Clinic. In the last fiscal year, the Sexual Health Clinic provided 9,222 patient visits and screened 7,000 patients for HIV and syphilis. Additionally, the Clinic started 345 patients on HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and evaluated 48 patients for Mpox, including 31 positive cases. The clinic saw a 38% increase in patients from fiscal year 2021. The clinic achieved a patient satisfaction rate of 98% for excellent customer service.

This work is all part of the clinic’s mission to increase access to sexual health resources, including free and low-cost testing, treatment, and education. The clinic’s sexual health programs aim to promote healthy sexual behaviors and prevent the spread of STIs.

“It is important to highlight this issue during National Public Health Week,” said Adrienne Sturrup, Director of Austin Public Health. “Our sexual health programs are critical to the health and well-being of our community, and we are committed to providing equitable access to resources that promote sexual health and wellness for all residents of Travis County.”

APH’s sexual health programs offer a range of services, including testing and treatment for STIs, HIV testing and counseling, and education on safe sexual practices. The programs also provide and distribute free condoms to various community locations.

Residents of Travis County are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to protect their sexual health and prevent the spread of HIV and STIs. Please share this video about the program.

“Everyone should know their sexual health status,” said Cassandra DeLeon, Assistant Director of the APH Disease Prevention Health Promotion Division. “The Sexual Health team provides patients with information and clinical support to meet their needs.”