For Immediate Release:

March 21, 2012   

 

Monmouth County Health Department offers prevention tips  

 

NEPTUNE, NJ – The Monmouth County Health Department’s Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic at 1828 West Lake Ave. at the corner of State Highway 35 has new walk-in hours on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and on Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. No appointment is needed. 

 

Services include physical exams, laboratory testing, the treatment of sexually transmitted infections, Hepatitis B vaccinations, Rapid HIV testing, which consists of a 20-minute test to detects HIV in saliva, information on HIV and STIs and condom distribution.

 

The clinic staff is also available to answer questions about sexually transmitted infections. For additional information, call the STI Clinic directly at 732-869-5702.

 

The STI Clinic provides services at no charge to residents of municipalities that are members of the Monmouth County Board of Health: Aberdeen, Allentown, Asbury Park, Atlantic Highlands, Avon, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Englishtown, Eatontown, Farmingdale, Hazlet, Holmdel, Howell, Keyport, Lake Como, Manasquan, Marlboro, Matawan, Millstone, Neptune, Neptune City, Oceanport, Ocean Grove, Roosevelt, Shrewsbury Township and Union Beach. All other residents must pay $20 per visit.

 

“Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, don’t discriminate,” said Michael Meddis, the county’s public health coordinator. “They can happen to anyone, regardless of sexual preference, race, religion, age, or social or economic status. If you are sexually active, some factors can put you at higher risk for getting an STI.”

 

Meddis reminds residents that simple behavior changes and good decision-making skills can help reduce some of the STI risk factors.

 

“The best way to avoid STIs and unwanted pregnancy is not to have sex; if you do choose to become sexually active, there are ways you can help reduce your risk of contracting an STI,” Meddis said. “Be sure to get tested; if you or your partner has had sex with anyone else, then testing can help you learn if either of you has contracted an STI. Many STIs can be ‘silent,’ causing no noticeable symptoms.”

 

The Monmouth County Health Department has information about STIs and other public health issues. Call 732-431-7456 or log onto the county’s Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com. Or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov/STI

 

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