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Sexually Transmitted Disease Program
The mission of the STD program is to prevent STD's, including HIV, and to promote sexual health.

The Baker County Health Department provides confidential, low cost, drop-in STD infection screening to all persons over the age of 12, regardless of their ability to pay. The clinics are for both men and women. All information disclosed by clients is confidential.
When the client visits the clinic a nurse will discuss their symptoms, review their health and sexual history, perform a comprehensive STD exam, complete appropriate lab tests, and prescribe medication if indicated. The nurse will also perform an HIV risk assessment. Clients are encouraged to ask question during the visit. The nurse will provide answers and information that will help prevent further risk of infections.

STD's that the Health Department Tests For
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Genital warts
  • Hepatitis B
  • Herpes
  • Molluscum contagiosum
  • Pubic lice
  • Scabies
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Pelvic inflammatory infections

Other Associated Diseases

  • Bacterial Vaginosis
  • Yeast Infections
  • Hepatitis C
Clients diagnosed with a reportable STD (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, hepatitis B) will be referred to a staff member for enhanced counseling on transmission and prevention. Additionally, there will be a discussion of how to notify sexual partners for treatment and education. This is all done confidentially.

Prevention
There are a number of ways to protect yourself and your partner from STD's. The best way to prevent STD's is by not having sex (abstinence) or waiting to have sex (postponement). There are many ways to show love besides sex. Kissing, massaging, talking, and touching feel good and are safe.
  • If you have sex, use a latex condom (rubber) correctly each time. You can also use other barrier methods like polyurethane (plastic) condoms, female condoms, or latex barriers (dental dams). Other birth control methods like the pill, depo provera, or diaphragm do not protect against STD's.
  • Talk to your partner(s) about safer sex and condoms before having sex. Try to select a setting that is neutral and non-sexual. Discuss your sexual histories including past sex partners and STD's.
  • Limit your number of sex partners. The more people you have sex with, the greater your chances of getting an STD. A mognogamous relationship - where you and your partner only have sex with each other - is safest.
  • Go to a clinic for an STD checkup every six months if you change partners, have more than one partner, or if your partner may be having sex with anyone else. You can have an STD without any signs.
  • If you have an STD, make sure both you and your sex partner get treated. Do not have sex again until both you and your sex partner complete treatment.
  • Do not share needles for tattooing, body piercing, or injecting drugs, or vitamins. If you do share, learn how to clean the needle properly. Ask your sex partner(s) about any past needle use.
  • If you are pregnant, seek prenatal care early. Early detection and treatment of STD's is important to prevent transmission or development of complications.
  • Before you have sex, check yourself and your partner for any signs of STD's such as discharge, sores or bumps in the genital areas. If you notice any signs do not have sex. Go to a doctor or a clinic to get tested.


Free condoms are available at the clinic.

Community Education
Nurses are available to discuss the following topics with schools, youth programs, drug and alcohol programs, and others by request.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • HIV prevention
  • Birth control methods
Our Services are available to all people living in Baker County regardless of age, race, sex, creed, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability. Call 523-8211 for hours/times.
Appointments also available.

3330 Pocahontas Rd
Baker City