Walgreens begins STI testing at some clinics

DEERFIELD - Walgreens Healthcare Clinic locations in select markets will offer testing services for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, hepatitis B and C, chlamydia, gonorrhea and other conditions.

The tests will be offered 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, Healthcare Clinic providers - 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. On April 25, providers at Walgreens Healthcare Clinics in the Houston area, can begin prescribing 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.

"Offering these new services in our Healthcare Clinics demonstrates our ongoing commitment to improving the comprehensive health and well-being of our patients," said Pat Carroll, MD, chief medical officer for Walgreens Healthcare Clinics. "We're proud to introduce the testing services during STD Awareness Month in April, and support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in raising public awareness about the impact that STDs - the diseases that can develop from STIS - can have on the lives of Americans and the importance of testing and prevention."