Southeast Public Health Expanding Access to Sexual Health Services

Press Release – Southeast Public Health

In October, Southeast Public Health (SEPH) temporarily reduced Sexual Health clinic services to allow focused integration of teams, systems, and clinical practices following the merger. As integration has progressed, clinics will resume as previously scheduled beginning as early as April 7, with some service enhancements.

Clinics in Gananoque, Perth, and Carleton Place will be resumed, and sexual health clinic hours in Kemptville and Almonte will return to the levels they were at before the temporary service reduction. Clinic schedules can be viewed on the Sexual Health Clinics page of the Southeast Public Health website.

In addition to this return to regular service levels, Southeast Public Health is excited to announce the introduction of new GetaKit testing depots across the southeast region.

GetaKit provides private, low-barrier testing for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) which can be completed from the comfort of home. GetaKit offers testing for HIV, hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis for individuals aged 17 and over. With the introduction of new testing depots, individuals seeking testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea now have the option to pick up their test kit at their nearest Southeast Public Health office, rather than having it shipped to their home. Client privacy is maintained when accessing services at Southeast Public Health offices.

“GetaKit testing depots offer an extra level of privacy and convenience for individuals who cannot, or do not wish to, get their testing kit by mail,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Deputy Medical Officer of Health for Southeast Public Health. “This program will enhance access to confidential sexual health testing for individuals who are unable to, or who do not wish to, access in-person testing either through a health-care provider or through public health.”

To access STBBI testing through GetaKit, residents must first visit GetaKit.ca to register. The site will recommend tests based on a confidential questionnaire. For testing for gonorrhea or chlamydia, users will have the option to have test kits and instructions shipped to their home or to be picked up at a Southeast Public Health testing depot in their region. For syphilis, hepatitis C and HIV testing, users will be emailed a requisition for testing, which can be completed at a local lab. Public health nurses will follow up with individuals who test positive.

For more information about GetaKit, visit the GetaKit page on the Southeast Public Health website.