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SIHF Healthcare Offers Health Tips During STD Awareness Month

April 3, 2019

SIHF Healthcare is offering health tips to educate the public about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This comes in an effort to raise awareness as April is STD Awareness Month.

“STDs are incredibly common, they don’t discriminate and can be contracted regardless of your age, gender, background, etc.,” says Darcy Graham, FNP at SIHF Healthcare, 4 Memorial Drive, Building B in Alton, Ill. “It’s likely that a lack of education, knowledge, and understanding of STDs is why they are so widespread. So, I encourage all individuals who are sexually active, regardless of age, to have an open discussion with their provider.”

Knowing about and understanding STDs can be confusing and even frustrating. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of resources on the internet alone that can make learning and education very difficult. And the materials surrounding this topic are not always credible.

“I’ve had patients ask me, ‘how do I know what’s true and what isn’t?’” adds Graham. “One of the best sources for accurate information is what comes from your doctor. Medical providers often have pamphlets or informational brochures patients can take home to look over with their partner - so they’re both learning together.”

Keeping individuals mindful during STD Awareness Month is the goal of medical providers at SIHF Healthcare. They want the public to be safe and smart while also reducing their risk of contracting an STD. SIHF Healthcarelocated at 4 Memorial Drive, Building B in Alton provides walk-in STD testing that is private, confidential, and convenient. Walk-ins are welcome to the public and established patients between 8:00am and 4:00pm, Monday - Friday without an appointment. Individuals do not have to be SIHF Healthcare patients to get tested.

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About SIHF Healthcare
SIHF Healthcare operates a network of more than 30 health centers across 11 Illinois counties with more than 160 medical providers who deliver comprehensive health care services including: adult, family, women’s health, pediatrics, pediatric dental services, behavioral health, and population health services. As one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Center networks in the country, SIHF Healthcare is devoted to leading individuals and communities to their healthiest lifestyle regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, visit www.sihf.org.