The AIDS Healthcare Foundation opened a new AHF Wellness Center in Baton Rouge on Monday, offering free screenings for sexually transmitted diseases and treatment for the greater Baton Rouge community given the prevalence of the disease in the state.
The center offers free testing, treatment and support for several STDs to make sexual health care accessible for the community.
AHF is a non-profit HIV and AIDS health care provider offering treatment in 28 countries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Baton Rouge ranks second in metro areas with new HIV diagnoses.
The Louisiana Commission on HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis C also reported that HIV diagnoses rose by 12 percent from 2010 to 2011 in Louisiana.
Patricia Grover, nurse manager at the center, said because Baton Rouge is leading in infection, this is a perfect time to offer these services for the targeted area.
The internally funded center offers similar services in California, Florida, Ohio, Texas and Mexico City.
Albert Ruiz, AHF director of Wellness Center Programs, said in a news release that these screenings are part of health care for sexually active individuals.
“Our hope is that by offering these services in a friendly, non-judgemental venue that is easy to access and free, more people in the Baton Rouge area will consider health screenings as a regular part of their health maintenance — like eating healthier and getting a yearly check-up at the dentist,” Ruiz said.
Grover said testing procedures vary and patients can receive their results quickly so they can receive their treatment.
“We’re hoping that everyone would like to know their status because the consequences of not knowing your status are much more greater,” Grover said.
Additionally, the center plans on reaching out to the community with a mobile testing unit in November.
Walk-ins are welcome and the center is open on Mondays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“We’re hoping that everyone would like to know their status because the consequences of not knowing your status are much more greater.”
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) opened an AHF Wellness Center located on 8281 Goodwood Blvd., Suite D.
