The Fort Wayne Allen County Department of Health

HIV & STD Prevention

Director: Kathy Thornson • Phone: (260) 449-7504 • FAX: (260) 449-3507 • Email: kathy.thornson@co.allen.in.us
Location: 4813 New Haven Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46803 • Hours: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday
Meet the Staff: Pamela Sully, Disease Intervention Specialist; Rochelle Feldheiser-Keyes, Disease Intervention Specialist; Hilda Hill, Disease Intervention Specialist; Julie Ensley, Disease Intervention Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get tested?
Testing for STD, HIV and Hepatitis is available Monday through Friday by appointment at the Health Department's Medical Annex at 4813 New Haven Avenue. Please enter Door #3. "Walk-ins" are seen on Monday and Thursday mornings, no appointments taken for Monday and Thursday mornings. Testing for HIV and Hepatitis is also available at various public locations. Click here for a list of those locations.For an appointment at the clinic or help locating a testing site, please call (260) 449-7504.

Where can I go if I don't have insurance?
All services at our clinic and testing sites are free.

How much does it cost?
Our services are free but donations are appreciated.

Is the test kept confidential?
Yes, it is strictly confidential. We will not release any information to any agency or individual without your consent.

Do I have to bring my parents?
No, parental permission is not required for our services.

What do I do if I test positive?
Follow through with your medical provider instructions including taking all medicine and abstaining from sex for the specified amount of time. It is also very important that your sex and/or needle sharing partners are informed of the contact and recieve testing and any treatment that is needed.

What do I do if my partner has a positive test?
You need to schedule an appointment for testing and treatment as soon as possible. It is very important that you mention to your medical provider that you have been in contact with an STD. Do not have sex until both you and your partner have completed your treatment.

Can I get a pregnancy test there?
Pregnancy screening is not a service we offer.

Do you give out condoms?
Yes, free condoms are available any time during clinic hours.

If I was exposed to HIV a month ago, how long until it shows on a test?
It could take up to three months from the time you are exposed to show on a test.

How long can I have an STD without knowing it?
There are often no symptoms of an STD which means you can have one for a long period of time without knowing it. If symptoms are present, they usually show (typically from a few days to a month) shortly after exposure.

Can I still have an STD if I don't have any symptoms?
Yes, often times there are no symptoms of an STD.

What should I do if I have symptoms?
You should call for an appointment as soon as possible. Be sure to mention that you are having symptoms when you schedule the appointment.

Can I still be treated for an STD if I am pregnant?
Yes, there are treatments available that are safe during pregnancy for most STD's. It is important to let your provider know if you are or may be pregnant so that a safe treatment is provided.

Can I get an HIV test in the evening?
Yes, please click here for details about evening testing sites.

Can I have HIV for years and not know it?
Yes, symptoms often take 7 to 10 years to show up. HIV is detectable on a test three months after exposure.

Is it against the law to have sex if you have HIV?
No, however it is against the law to have sex or share needles without telling your partner that you are HIV positive. If you tell the person you are about to have sex or share needles with that you have HIV and they agree to continue with the activity, you are not breaking any laws.

More Articles: General Information • HIV/STD Information • Free HIV Public Test Sites

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Did You Know?

Most people with an STD have no symptoms.