Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and Grand Portage Health Services offering free STI testing for under/uninsured patients this week
May 09, 2024 11:56AM ● By Content Editor
Image: CRUSH MN Statewide Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Week
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - May 9, 2024
May 13 - May 18 is Minnesota Statewide Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing Week, and the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and Grand Portage Health Services are offering free STI testing for under or uninsured patients. The goal of the statewide testing week is to "Promote prevention and testing, as well as to heighten awareness about the epidemic of sexually transmitted infections and related cancers in MN."
According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), 31,232 STI cases were reported to MDH in 2023 compared to 32,072 cases in 2022 – a 3% decrease. Chlamydia was the most reported STI, with 1 in 3 cases reported in Greater Minnesota, and "59% of the reported cases occurred in teens and young adults ages 15 to 24."
Gonorrhea was the second most reported STI, with syphilis being the third. The MDH states that "In previous years, most early syphilis cases were among men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2023, 30% of early syphilis cases were among women – up from 10% in 2014. This suggests a concerning demographic shift in the population diagnosed with early syphilis."
While the reported infection rates for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis slightly declined from 2022 to 2023, congenital syphilis reported infection rates increased by 44% with 29 cases reported. This is the highest number reported in the last 40 years.
For more information, visit the event page here.
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - May 9, 2024
May 13 - May 18 is Minnesota Statewide Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing Week, and the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and Grand Portage Health Services are offering free STI testing for under or uninsured patients. The goal of the statewide testing week is to "Promote prevention and testing, as well as to heighten awareness about the epidemic of sexually transmitted infections and related cancers in MN."
According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), 31,232 STI cases were reported to MDH in 2023 compared to 32,072 cases in 2022 – a 3% decrease. Chlamydia was the most reported STI, with 1 in 3 cases reported in Greater Minnesota, and "59% of the reported cases occurred in teens and young adults ages 15 to 24."
Gonorrhea was the second most reported STI, with syphilis being the third. The MDH states that "In previous years, most early syphilis cases were among men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2023, 30% of early syphilis cases were among women – up from 10% in 2014. This suggests a concerning demographic shift in the population diagnosed with early syphilis."
While the reported infection rates for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis slightly declined from 2022 to 2023, congenital syphilis reported infection rates increased by 44% with 29 cases reported. This is the highest number reported in the last 40 years.
Who should get tested
Anyone sexually active is at risk for an STI. Often, those with an STI infection have no symptoms.What to expect
Testing during the Statewide STI Testing Week will be done via urine sample only for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Patients will not meet with a provider, however, if a test result comes back positive, one will follow up with treatment options.Dates/Times
Sawtooth Mountain Clinic: Monday, May 13th - Saturday, May 18th
- Monday - Friday: 8 am-4 pm
- Saturday, May 18th: 8 am-11 am
- Call the clinic at 218-387-2330 to schedule an appointment
- Walk-ins welcome
Grand Portage Health Services: Monday, May 13th - Friday, May 17th
- Monday - Friday: Call the clinic at 218-475-2235 to schedule an appointment.
For more information, visit the event page here.
To learn more about the MN Statewide Testing Week, visit the website here.
