Free Testing Services for Everyone

Anyone can make an appointment for free and confidential testing for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C during these times:

• Monday from 8:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
• Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

We also offer free Chlamydia and Gonorrhea screenings for Gay Men, Bisexual Men, and Transgender People who do not have insurance..

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GBT Center

GCCHC participates in the Louisiana Wellness Center Project, which is a community-driven program aimed at decreasing health disparities, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and HIV/AIDS in our communities. Our Wellness Center Project at GCCHC is known as the GBT Center.

The GBT Center defines “health” as a whole-body, holistic concept, including mental/emotional, physical, sexual, and spiritual well-being – this definition aligns with GCCHC’s viewpoint that a Healthy Body, a Healthy Mind, and a Healthy Life all work together to move your health forward.

The mission of the GBT Center is to engage and empower Gay and Bisexual men and Transgender people (GBT) in improving their health and wellness by providing holistic health programming, affordable health care services, and linkage to existing resources.

GBT people can come to The GBT Center at GCCHC to receive free and confidential testing for all of the following:

• HIV
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis C
• Syphilis

Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis can be transmitted through anal, oral, and vaginal sex. Therefore, it’s important to use anal and oral swab tests, as well as a urine test to identify Chlamydia or Gonorrhea infections, and a finger-prick blood test to identify Syphilis infections.

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What is HIV?

Learn more here: https://www.greaterthan.org/know/

What are some of the symptoms of HIV?

Symptoms show up months to years after infection.

• Unexplained weight loss or tiredness
• Flu-like feelings that don't go away
• Diarrhea
• White spots in your mouth
• Yeast infections that don't go away (women)

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What is Chlamydia?

Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm

What are some of the symptoms of Chlamydia?

Symptoms show up 7-28 days after infection.

• Burning when urinating
• Need to urinate more than often
• Discharge from genitals
• Bleeding between periods
• Pain during sex
• Watery, white drip from penis
• Swollen or tender testicles
• Pain in abdomen, sometimes with fever and nausea

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What is Gonorrhea?

Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea.htm

What are some of the symptoms of Gonorrhea?

Symptoms show up 10 days or more after infection.

• Thick yellow or greenish discharge from genitals or anus
• Bleeding between periods
• Cramps and pain in lower abdomen (women)
• Painful or swollen testicles
• Painful urination or bowel movement

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What is Hepatitis C?

Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/cfaq.htm

Did you know there is a treatment regimen that can cure Hepatitis C? If you are living with Hepatitis C, make an appointment to learn about your treatment options.

What are some of the symptoms of Hepatitis C?

Symptoms show up months to years after infection.

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Upset stomach
• Throwing up
• Feeling tired
• Dark-colored urine
• Gray-colored stool
• Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Joint pain

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What is Syphilis?

Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/stdfact-syphilis.htm

What are some of the symptoms of Syphilis?

Symptoms show up 1-12 weeks after infection.

First-Stage Syphilis

• Painless sore on mouth or genitals lasting 2-6 weeks
• Sore goes away, but you still have syphilis

Second-Stage Syphilis

• Rash anywhere on your body
• Flu-like feelings
• Rash and flu-like feelings go away, but you still have syphilis

Appointments are necessary for the Wellness Center because these tests require seeing a medical provider. Appointments are available at these times:

• Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
• Monday evening from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
• Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

While GCCHC receives grant funds to provide testing services, we do not receive any funding to provide medical treatment for STIs. However, we do accept most insurance plans. If you don't have health insurance, we have a Benefits Specialist who can assist you in obtaining health coverage. We are not a free clinic; however, we offer low-cost medical treatment for those people who do not have health insurance.

The Wellness Center also hosts a variety of exciting social events. To be added to our social event email list, just click here!

Rusty Chambless is our Wellness Center Coordinator. Give Rusty a call at (318) 582-3586 to set up your appointment!