Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) announced Thursday that they will be expanding their Sexual Health Clinic services into more communities on a trail basis.

In a February 7, 2023 media release, GBPH is "keenly aware of the importance of sexual and reproductive health to a person's overall health and well being" and recognizes that some residents, particularly those without a primary care provider, may face barriers to accessing timely sexual health services.

While uptake will be an important factor in seeing these sites continue, the expansion of the services is designed to fill a gap in other sectors of the health system.

In addition to existing weekly clinics in Owen Sound and Wiarton, GBPH began providing a weekly clinic in Hanover this year and starting this month, monthly Sexual Health Clinics will be offered in Kincardine and Southampton.

"We know that many people may have delayed seeking out [sexual and reproductive health] services, such as testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or screening for cervical cancer, during the pandemic and that current strains on the healthcare system can make it difficult to get an appointment for routine matters, like getting a prescription for birth control," said Gillian Jordan, Program Coordinator of Sexual Health at GBPH.

"We hope that by expanding our sexual health services to more communities in Grey-Bruce, we can help to remove some of the barriers to accessing these services," Jordan said.

While Public Health encourages people to seek sexual health-related services through their healthcare provider, its clinics are available to clients who may not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner or have difficulty accessing them, the release said. A health card is not required for GBPH clinic services.

GBPH Sexual Health Clinic services such as STI testing and treatment, low-cost contraceptives, pregnancy testing and counselling, and safe sex education and supplies, are now available in:

Owen Sound: Mondays from 9am to 3:30pm at Grey Bruce Public Health, 101 17th Street East;

Hanover: Wednesdays from 9:30am to 3:30pm at the Hanover Medical Associates Building, 118 7th Avenue;

Kincardine: on the first Tuesday of each month from 4pm to 8pm at the CMHA building, 865 Queen Street;

Southampton: on the third Tuesday of each month from 4pm to 8pm at the CMHA building, 353 High Street;

Wiarton: on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 9:30am to 2:30pm at The Green House, 527 Berford Street.

The Hanover clinic will be supported by a local family doctor, who will be offering expanded sexual and reproductive health services, including cervical cancer screening (Pap smear test), IUD insertion and removal, and more.

Public Health encourages anyone who is sexually active to make STI testing a part of their regular wellness routine, especially for those starting a new relationship, or seeing a new partner.

Appointments are preferred and same-day appointments are often available. For more information or to book an appointment, call Grey Bruce Public Health at 519-376-9420 ext. 1256 or email theclinic@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

Clinic dates and times are also available by visiting publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Your-Health/Sexual-Health.