Christopher Hoff, executive director of the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center | Lake County
Christopher Hoff, executive director of the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center | Lake County
Lake County has announced that the Health Department and Community Health Center, in collaboration with partners, will hold free community events to raise awareness and provide education about sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
According to a press release, Lake County is organizing several public health events in May and June to promote STI awareness, routine testing, and access to care, particularly for high-risk groups. The Health and Wellness Fair on May 7 and National Hepatitis Testing Day on May 19 will offer information on STIs, HIV, and hepatitis. Additionally, harm reduction strategies, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) will be discussed. Free referrals, vaccinations, and confidential testing appointments will be available with support from multiple local organizations including WIC, A Way Out, and Walgreens.
On June 5, the county will observe HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day to honor individuals living with HIV and highlight their ongoing challenges. This event also marks the anniversary of the first reported AIDS cases. It will take place at the Health Department in Waukegan in partnership with Need2Know Lake County, Lake County Stands Against Stigma, and Ascension Alexian Brothers Housing and Health Alliance. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by phone.
"Routine testing helps track and control the spread of sexually transmitted infections before they lead to serious complications in our residents and within our community," said Valerie Johansen, the Health Department’s Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) / Need2Know Lake County program coordinator. "These events help us inform residents that help is available and they can get the resources and treatment they need to live healthily."
Lake County's Need2Know STI Program offers a comprehensive range of confidential care and prevention services for individuals aged 12 and older without requiring parental consent. The program includes testing and treatment for STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. It also provides counseling, health education, access to free safer sex supplies; screenings for hepatitis A, B, C; vaccinations; support for LGBTQ+ individuals; PrEP; non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP); harm reduction tools like syringe support; linkage to medical care; community care; one-on-one STI education; customized group presentations.
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