Free testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI) will be offered on Monday, March 9 from 1:30 until 3:30 p.m. at the Washington County Service Center on Woodlane Drive behind Kohl’s. Testing is available without an appointment.

Since Washington County does not have the equipment for testing for STIs, they have partnered with Ramsey County and Clinic 555 for a “pop-up clinic,” offering this vital public health service in the private exam rooms at the new Service Center.

According to Emma Wallo from the Washington County Public Health & Environment Department, more than a dozen individuals attended the initial pop-up clinic earlier this year.

Testing will be available for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV and hepatitis C. Studies show that as many as half of all sexually active young people will be infected by one of these diseases. Since there are often no symptoms early in the infection, testing is the only way to discover and treat the conditions before lasting harm is done to the patients and their partners.

Further information about the confidential pop-up clinic is available at this number 651-430-6655.