Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center and its partners are hosting a free community event to help encourage preventative care, affirm the importance of routine screening, and emphasize priority populations at risk for hepatitis C for providers and the community. The event takes place on Tuesday, October 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Health Department’s Zion Health Center, 1911 27th Street, Zion in the Community Room.
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“Sexually transmitted infections are on the rise in the U.S., especially among adolescents and young adults,” said Valerie Johansen, the Health Department’s Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) / Need2Know Lake County Program Coordinator. “Getting routine testing can help you find out if you have an STI before they lead to serious complications”.
At the event, participants can learn about hepatitis, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections. We are also sharing information on resources available in Lake County, such as testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Attendees can receive free referrals for hepatitis A and B vaccinations and other Health Department services and schedule a confidential appointment for free hepatitis C and HIV tests at the Health Department’s STI program office, 2400 Belvidere Road in Waukegan.
In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2.5 million cases of STIs in the United States. STIs are rising in the U.S., especially among adolescents and young adults. Infections often do not show symptoms, and screening is necessary for timely diagnosis and treatment. STIs are preventable and treatable but may lead to serious complications if left untreated.
This event is in partnership with the Health Department’s STI Program / Need2Know Lake County, Behavioral Health Services, A Way Out, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, as well as Zacharias Center, A Safe Place, Elevate Care, Captain James a Lovell Federal Health Care Center, AbbVie, and Gilead.
Need2Know Lake County
The Need2Know Lake County program works to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases in Lake County. The program offers confidential screening for hepatitis, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. They also offer treatment services, vaccines, counseling, educational-based support groups, and many other services.
For additional information or to make an appointment, call (847) 377-8450 or visit lakecountyil.gov/1897/Need2Know-Lake-County-STI-Program
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