At-Home STI Testing Can Help Public Health Departments Combat Rising Rates Of Infection

Besides the brief decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates continue to rise in the United States. In fact, the number of new STIs reached a record high for the sixth year in a row in 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [1]. In that same year, a report published by the CDC ranked New York 9th in the nation for rates of chlamydia, 17th for gonorrhea, and 11th for primary and secondary syphilis [2].

Even with clinics reopening, many people still lack access to quality testing services. With the most effective tool for controlling STI rates being timely diagnosis and treatment, LetsGetChecked's convenient and accurate at-home STI tests can help Public Health Departments overcome barriers to screening.

The Importance of STI Screening

Access to STI screening is essential to identifying and treating infections and preventing the potential spread to others. Regularly checking in on your sexual health is recommended for anyone who is sexually active - even those who do not experience any symptoms can benefit from regular testing as many STIs show little to no signs or symptoms. Avoiding recommended STI testing puts people at significant risk for serious health complications for themselves and others. Without treatment, complications can progress for years without outward indicators and in some circumstances, can lead to harmful and costly clinical complications, such as reproductive health issues, chronic pelvic pain, fetal and perinatal health problems, and certain cancers.

STIs are not only costly to people's health but cost the U.S. healthcare system billions every year. In 2018, the CDC estimated that new STI infections totaled almost $16 billion in direct lifetime medical costs [3]. $1.5 billion of these direct medical costs are attributed to common and preventable conditions, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis [4]. To combat increasing STI rates and mitigate their economic impact on healthcare systems, it is crucial to update existing STI programs and services and improve their accessibility.

LetsGetChecked Partners with National Council of STD Directors to Improve Care

Many people still face multiple roadblocks to obtaining quality STI screening services and care. Fortunately, LetsGetChecked can help make STI testing more readily accessible.

LetsGetChecked has experience working with national public health organizations to increase the availability of STI testing and combatting health disparities. Our home testing solutions help individuals who otherwise might not receive STI testing get the accurate and confidential screening they need. Working with us is easy as we manage the distribution of test kits and reporting, and provide data-driven strategic recommendations.

Our partnership with the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) through the Check Yourself program has allowed us to transform how Public Health Departments offer STI testing [5]. We provide at-home tests that simplify the screening process and drive better sexual health outcomes. With two delivery options, we can initiate overnight delivery directly to eligible patients or to County Public Health Departments to distribute to patients in person. Each kit comes with detailed instructions on how to conduct the test at home; no appointments necessary. We also make the return process as straightforward as possible, allowing patients to return their collected samples to our laboratory using a prepaid shipping label. Each STI test is quickly processed and analyzed in our high complexity laboratory to provide confidential results within days. Our reporting services integrate seamlessly with Public Health Department surveillance systems to ensure timely follow-ups for treatment.

Health Departments Can Expand Access to Screening with LetsGetChecked

As the pandemic has hindered efforts to mitigate the spread of STIs, it is more important than ever to get people preventive and risk-based screenings. LetsGetChecked's convenient, affordable, and accurate at-home STI testing solutions can meet the needs of Public Health Departments to expand their reach and allow people to receive quality and confidential diagnostic testing from the comfort of their own homes.

LetsGetChecked offers a range of at-home STI tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, Gardnerella, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma. We are HITRUST and SOC-2 compliant to protect sensitive data and information, and our clinical labs are CLIA-certified, and CAP accredited to ensure the provision of fast and accurate test results. Together, we can close the gaps that make accessing quality STD testing difficult and ensure that services are easily available to those who need them most. Contact us today to learn more about our solutions.

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