The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will begin providing sexual health services at the new Upcounty Sexual Health and Wellness Clinic beginning Monday, Oct. 9. The clinic, located at the Sidney Kramer Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown, will offer free and low-cost testing and treatment for sexually-transmitted infections (STI) and HIV infection.
The Sidney Kramer Upcounty Regional Services Center is located at 12900 Middlebrook Road in Germantown. A community open house and ribbon cutting for the facility will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5.
“While Montgomery County ranks as the healthiest county in Maryland, we have seen an increase in infection rates for STIs, and access to early testing and treatment services is essential to sexual health and wellbeing,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This new clinic location will help residents living in the Upcounty region get services where they live. Many STIs are treatable or curable, but early detection is important to successful outcomes.”
Services will be free or low cost, and no one will be turned away based on their ability to pay. Appointments are recommended by calling 240-777-1609, but walk-ins will be accepted based on service availability.
HIV testing is free to anyone regardless of age or where they live in Maryland.
STI testing and treatment is free to anyone age 26 and under. For individuals over 26, a sliding scale fee model is used for payment, ensuring that no one is turned away regardless of their ability to pay. The clinic also accepts individuals with Medicaid coverage.
“The creation of the Upcounty Sexual Health and Wellness Clinic demonstrates our commitment to addressing issues of health inequity,” said Kisha Davis, the County health officer. “This clinic will be the only low barrier safety net clinic in this area of the community addressing health disparities found within sexually transmitted infections and HIV incidence.”
The Germantown location will serve as a satellite clinic for the Sexual Health and Wellness Clinic located at Dennis Avenue Health Center in Silver Spring.
The schedule for services at the Germantown location:
- Free HIV testing only will be offered from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sept. 20, 22, 27, 29 and Oct. 4. Call 240-777-1609 to make an appointment.
- Full STI testing and treatment services and HIV testing only will be available regularly from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Oct. 9. Call 240-777-1609 to make an appointment.
