District Clinical Services

The purpose of District Clinical Services is to reduce the spread of AIDS/STI/TB in the West Central Health District; through education, counseling, testing, partner notification, surveillance, case management, and clinical services. Primary medical care is provided through the Ryan White Program.

Prevention Services Program

  • HIV Testing – all persons should be tested at least once as part of routine health care. Persons with increased risk for HIV should be tested twice a year. Getting tested is the only way to know if you have HIV.

Testing Available:
Monday-Friday
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
706-321-6413

FREE Home Test Kits and FREE Condoms

Linkage to Care

People with HIV and AIDS can live longer, healthier lives with proper care and support.  This program works to connect newly diagnosed HIV positive individuals to medical care.
Linkage to Care Brochure

Medical Services

  • Treatment and Medication- Early treatment with anti-retroviral therapy.
  • Case Management- Monitors progress and assists in coordination of additional services.
  • Behavioral Health- Provides support and counseling individually and/or in group sessions
  • Peer Support- Helps new clients navigate through the clinic process.
  • Nutrition Education- Shows how the foods clients eat can help improve their overall health, prevent other infections and aid in recovery.
  • Referrals- provides medical and social resources to meet clients’ needs.
Monkeypox

Monkeypox testing and vaccines are available. The vaccine is a two dose series, with 28 days between doses. Vaccines are available at no cost.
Jynneos Smallpox/Monkeypox Vaccine Information Sheet

Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches/backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough), and a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus but could also be on the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing and may look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

Monkeypox spreads by  direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids; by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face to face contact, kissing or cuddling, and by sexual contact; by touching items, such as clothing or linens, that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids.  It can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.  The illness usually lasts two to four weeks and is rarely fatal.

Prevention of monkeypox
Anyone who has tested positive for monkeypox should isolate at home and follow CDC isolation guidance https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/isolation-procedures.html. Do not have close skin to skin contact with others, including kissing, hugging, cuddling, and sexual contact.  Do not share eating utensils or cups, or handle or touch bedding, towels, or clothing of someone with monkeypox.

For more information, contact a healthcare provider, visit https://dph.georgia.gov/monkeypox, or call 833-337-1749 for information about hours for testing and vaccine availability in your county.

Other Programs:

STD  Program
Reduces the incidence of sexually transmitted and HIV infections through a comprehensive strategy including: Education, Screening, Treatment, Partner Notification and Surveillance.
Order a FREE STD Home Test Kit

Tuberculosis (TB) Program
Elimination of TB in Georgia is the goal.  Skin testing is available.  Prevention of transmission by Identification, Preventative Therapy, Treatment and Follow-up Therapy.

STD Couple - web

Contact us:

HIV Counseling & Testing
In Columbus  706-321-6413
In Sumter County  229-931-2403
Clinical Services
833-337-1749
Hours:
8:00 am to 5:00 pm