April 6, 2023
From the Fairfield County Health Department

The Fairfield County Health Department (FCHD), in partnership with Family Health Services of East Central Ohio will begin offering free, confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections at the Lancaster office of the Health Department at 1550 Sheridan Dr. Suite 100.

“This collaboration allowed us (Family Health Services) to receive a grant from the Ohio Department of Health to establish innovative ways to provide STI testing and treatment. Working with the Health Department allows us to meet people where they are instead of requiring them to come into our office.” said Ashley Washburn, Executive Director of Family Health Services.

In the past year, reported cases of syphilis have gone up 800% in Fairfield County compared to 250% statewide. Since January 1, 2023, there have been144 positive cases for a sexually transmitted infection, with chlamydia being the highest reported infectious disease in the county.

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“Chlamydia is our leading reportable infectious disease, and many people who have chlamydia don’t know it, since the disease often has no symptoms. While it can infect both men and women, it can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system. This can make it difficult or impossible to get pregnant later.” said Health Commissioner, Joe Ebel

As part of the partnership, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) from Family Health Services will be onsite at the Health Department the second and fourth Mondays of the month from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, to perform the testing and treatment services.

“Supporting the community and helping to prevent disease is a primary function of the health department so we’re happy to kick-off the collaboration with Family Health Services next Monday, April 10, 2023.” said Stephanie Fyffe, FCHD’s director of nursing.

For more information call the Health Department at 740-652-2800.