Beginning April 25, Walgreens Healthcare Clinic locations in select markets began to offer testing services for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, chlamydia, gonorrhea and other conditions. As part of the services, Healthcare Clinic providers – which include nurse practitioners and physician assistants – will first conduct a consultation with the patient and, as applicable, conduct the STI testing process. The method of testing varies based on the type of condition being assessed. Healthcare Clinic providers can offer treatment or a referral to a specialist, as needed. In addition to STI testing, Walgreens is also furthering its commitment to supporting communities impacted by HIV through prevention and early detection services.
In fact, providers at Walgreens Healthcare Clinics in the Houston area can now prescribe PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), a medication protocol for people who don’t have HIV to help proactively protect against HIV infection. When taken daily as directed, PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV infection by more than 90 percent when used consistently. Following an initial PrEP consultation with a patient, Healthcare Clinic providers will be able to conduct tests for HIV and other STIs, as needed. Upon review of test results, providers will conduct a follow-up visit and may prescribe PrEP, as necessary.
Walgreens also collaborates with health departments and local AIDS service organizations to help provide free HIV testing as part of an ongoing effort to broaden the reach of HIV information and testing in non-traditional settings and to support local organizations’ outreach efforts. Learn more about the pharmacy’s new STI services – available in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus (Ohio), Dallas, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Louisville, Memphis, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Tucson, Washington D.C., and Wichita – and start thinking about how your local health department may be able to partner with your local Walgreens.
