Clarksville coalition begins offering HIV treatment and STI testing

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Residents now have a new local option to receive full swab testing for sexually transmitted infections and receive treatment for HIV.

A group of healthcare providers, nonprofit leaders and activists began meeting in the summer of 2023 to discuss the lack of adequate care for HIV patients in Clarksville, according to a news release. Many individuals who test positive for HIV have to drive to Robertson County or Nashville to begin treatment. Additionally, there was a need for full swab testing for sexually transmitted infections, a more effective testing tool for combating the spread of STIs. Concerned about the possibility of rising unreported and untreated STI cases, they formed a coalition led by Ruth’s Army in coordination with Music City Prep Clinic and REACH, a nonprofit education and contraceptive clinic, to fill the gap in care.

“We realized that there was a gap in accessing services around sexual and reproductive health in our area,” said Dr. Kristen Brewer, Ruth’s Army co-founder, in the release. “People need convenient, safe, and affordable options for birth control/contraceptive options and STI/HIV testing. That is what we are hoping to provide for our community.”

In January, the coalition received grant funding from Clarksville Q, a queer advocacy group focused on building resources for the LGBTQIA+ community, and began a dry run ahead of their hard launch of testing and education classes that began on Saturday, Feb. 9. The $17,450 grant is provided to reimburse coalition partners for STI testing, HIV care, contraceptives, and healthcare staffing, according to the release.

“Clarksville Q was excited to join with a group of leaders already hard at work to support the LGBTQIA+ in our city. The testing, contraceptives, and care will save lives,” said Charles Uffelman, Clarksville Q convenor.

Monthly testing and classes will continue every second Saturday of the month with the next availability on Saturday, March 9, the release said. The REACH clinic whose focus is primarily on women offers contraceptives (including free same-day IUD insertion) and sexual health education during the pop-in clinic sessions, located near Tennova Healthcare at 751 Chesapeake Lane, Suite 101. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments for PrEP testing and intake can be made with Music City Prep Clinic.