Let's celebrate the arrival of summer love and joy and prioritize our health by getting preventative sexual healthcare. Preventative care is crucial in maintaining our overall well-being before, during, and after celebrations.
What’s Your Status?
A resurgence of mpox (formerly monkeypox) has been reported this spring, with a cluster of cases reported in Chicago. Learn more about mpox and be sure to get your two-dose mpox vaccine at no cost to you! Unvaccinated people and those who have not received their second dose may be at risk. The best protection against mpox occurs 2 weeks after you receive your second dose, so plan ahead. Mpox is often transmitted through close, sustained physical contact, almost exclusively associated with sexual contact. If you have symptoms of mpox visit a healthcare provider and get tested, even if you have been vaccinated.
Getting tested is the only way to know if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and receive treatment. STI testing is quick, easy, and at no-cost to you at Southwest Center. You can also reduce your risk of getting an STI by using condoms and/or dental dams whenever you have sex. Learn more about what to expect and schedule your appointment today!
Do you know your HIV status? Get tested today and no matter your results there are steps to you can take to get healthy.
Is PrEP right for you? You have options to prevent HIV and now it’s available from the comfort of your bed! With Southwest Center’s TelePrEP you can access the care you need from the comfort and safety of your home. Labs can be drawn at our clinic location or a lab near you. We can also send your PrEP directly to your house through a local pharmacy, or you can pick it up at your local pharmacy. Learn more about PrEP.
Sex, Pride, and Mpox
In partnership with Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the Southwest Center is proud to help mitigate the spread of mpox with walk-in availability to get the mpox vaccine available Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm at no cost to you.
If you prefer to schedule a vaccine appointment with the Maricopa County Department of Health, please click here.
Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of mpox. Talk with your partner about mpox symptoms and be aware of any new or unexplained rash or lesion on either of your bodies, including the mouth, genitals, or anus. Learn more about mpox and safer sex.
Lower your chances of getting mpox at places like raves, parties, clubs, and festivals. Consider how much close skin-to-skin contact is likely to occur at the event you plan to attend. Events were participants are fully-clothed and unlikely to share skin-to-skin contact are safer. Enclosed spaces, such as back rooms, saunas, and sex clubs may have a higher likelihood of spreading mpox. Learn more about social gatherings and mpox.