Sexually Transmitted Diseases
We maintain an aggressive sexually transmitted disease program designed to:
- Identify cases of sexually transmitted disease
- Assure that all cases have been treated correctly
- Educate the public on risk factors and prevention methods
- Break the chain of infection by locating and notifying contacts of known infections
In 2009, the nursing staff made 2773 client contacts, obtained specimens for 5587 diagnostic tests, and administered 672 treatments.
What if I don't have a health care provider?
If you do not have a health care provider, consider contacting the providers listed below.
- Jordan Valley Community Health Center - 417-831-0150
- Kitchen Clinic (must be without insurance and meet income guidelines) - 417-837-1504
Ozarks HELP
The herpes support group provides support and educational information for people diagnosed with herpes. Friends or family members of those affected are welcome. Participation is free and no registration is required. See our Ozarks HELP Flyer for more information.
STD Testing
If left untreated, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause serious complications.
The health department's in-house clinic provides confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and confidential/anonymous HIV testing at no cost to the client.
Testing is provided at the Harold K. Bengsch Building. Please be aware of the following special hours for testing (subject to change without notice):
- Walk-in Clinic (based on space availability) - Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Doors open at 7:30am, then registration begins at 8:00am and continues until openings are filled for the day.
- By appointment - Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, call 417-864-1684 to schedule an appointment.
- Results - Monday-Friday 8:00am-11:00am and 1:00pm-4:00pm
If you have been taking antibiotics, please be sure to tell your nurse BEFORE testing, as this may affect the accuracy of your test results.
Be sure to let your health care provider know if a recent sexual contact has been diagnosed with gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis or trichomoniasis.
You should follow these testing guidelines before coming to get tested.
Tests We Provide
The STD Clinic provides no-cost, confidential testing for the following sexually transmitted infections:
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Trichomoniasis (females)
- Genital herpes (only if lesion is present)
- Hepatitis B ($10.00 fee)
Tests We Do Not Provide
Please contact your health care provider to see if they offer the following tests. These tests are not offered at the health department.
- Hepatitis C tests
- Herpes "blood tests"
- HPV tests (We can provide genital warts (HPV) visual inspections only.)
- PAP smears
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Staff
- P.J. Dye, STD Clinic Coordinator
pdye@springfieldmo.gov | 417-864-1303
P.J. has been working as a Registered Nurse since 1991 and has worked at the Health Department since 1995 specializing in sexually transmitted diseases. Her previous experience as a nurse consists of stem cell retrieval for cancer patients, case worker for a child abuse prevention program, dialysis, aphaeresis, and labor/delivery. - Diana Hannen, BSN, RN, Community Health Nurse
Dhannen@springfieldmo.gov | 417-864-1682
Diana received her bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Diana has been a registered nurse since 2005 and previously worked as a nurse in a pediatric intensive care unit, as a sexual assault nurse examiner, as a diabetes nurse educator, and as a case manager for children with special needs. Diana has been a nurse in the sexually transmitted disease (STD) as well as the tuberculosis (TB) clinic since September 2009. - Carolyn Slavens, BSN, RN, Community Health Nurse
cslavens@springfieldmo.gov | 417-864-1697
Carolyn has been at the Health Department since 1993. She is currently practicing as a Community Health Nurse in the health department's tuberculosis clinic. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing at Southwest Baptist University—St. John's School of Nursing and Health Sciences. - Robin Williams, RN, HIV Case Manager
RWilliams@springfieldmo.gov | 417-864-1680
Robin graduated from St. John's School of Nursing in 1989. She was charge nurse on a floor at St. John's that had mostly urology and AIDS clients. In 1991 she came to work for the health department as the sexually transmitted disease program coordinator. In 1992 she became the HIV Clinic coordinator. Working with people who are helping themselves has always been Robin's dream.
