April 25, 2017 Caddo Parish Health Unit to hold STD Clinic on SaturdayShreveport residents can receive free STD testing April 29

Baton Rouge, La., Apr 25, 2017 - Louisiana, including Caddo Parish, consistently experiences some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States. The most recent studies by the CDC, 2015 data, show Louisiana has the highest rate in the nation for primary and secondary syphilis and the highest gonorrhea rate. Further, among the top 70 counties/parishes in the U.S., Caddo is ranked 59.

To help to reverse these statistics, the Louisiana Office of Public Health, as well as the Caddo Parish Health Unit, have placed special emphasis on syphilis prevention throughout April.

This awareness and educational effort will be highlighted Saturday, April 29 when the Caddo Parish Health Unit holds an STD clinic. Free testing for STDs will be offered to all attendees.

What:     STD Education and FREE Testing

Where:   Caddo Parish Health Unit

1035 Creswell Ave

When:     Saturday, April 29

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

There will also be food and door prizes throughout the event.

Dr. Martha Whyte, medical director for the Office of Public Health in the Shreveport region, said syphilis is curable.

“April is STD Awareness Month and we are focusing on addressing the rising rates of syphilis, as well as the rates of other sexually transmitted diseases,” said Dr. Whyte. “Some tips for prevention are talking to your partner(s) and healthcare provider, getting tested regularly, and if the test comes back positive, get treated.”

Visit this page to find the nearest Parish Health unit, or call the Caddo Parish Health unit (318) 676-5222. Learn more at www.LAHHUB.org.

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit www.ldh.la.gov or check out our blog at www.ladepthealth.blogspot.com. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.