Ottawa Clinic Launches Innovative STI Testing Service

A community health clinic in Ottawa has introduced a pioneering service aimed at improving access to sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. MAX Ottawa Community Health, in partnership with Ottawa Public Health and Getakit, has launched a free program that allows residents to pick up testing kits and drop them off at a laboratory of their choice. This initiative addresses rising STI rates in the region and aims to reduce barriers to testing.

The new service, the first of its kind in Ontario, facilitates a more streamlined process for obtaining STI tests. Previously, individuals in Ottawa relied on Getakit to mail swabs and testing kits, which could lead to delays and complications, especially for those who are housing insecure or live with others. MAX’s executive director, Adam Awad, highlighted a case where a young man hesitated to get tested due to fears of his parents discovering his visit to a sexual health clinic.

Awad explained, “We’ve been working together (with Getakit) for several years, and we realized that there are still barriers, even for people who are using the online system.” With the new service, residents can collect oral and rectal swabs from the MAX Ottawa Community Health office located at 400 Cooper St. after completing an online assessment. The collected samples can then be dropped off at any lab, with results communicated via text message.

This initiative is particularly significant as it aims to address the stigma and shame that often accompany STI testing. According to a 2021 article in The Lancet, individuals with STIs frequently face disapproval and exclusion, deterring them from seeking necessary tests and treatments. Awad emphasized that the new program aims to prevent STIs among priority populations, including men who have sex with men and transgender women.

Statistics indicate a worrying trend in STI rates across Canada. Data from MAX reveals that chlamydia cases in Ottawa surged by 36 percent from 2021 to 2023, with over 3,400 new cases reported in 2023. Furthermore, gonorrhea cases experienced a dramatic increase of 61 percent in the same timeframe, totaling over 960 new cases in 2023. Awad noted that many cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea among men who have sex with men and transgender women may go undetected, as these infections often occur outside the genital area and are typically screened only through urine tests.

The rising rates of HIV further compound the issue. The Public Health Agency of Canada reported 2,434 new HIV diagnoses in 2023, reflecting a more than 35 percent increase since 2022. The national rate of new HIV diagnoses reached 6.1 cases per 100,000 people. Awad pointed out that untreated STIs can significantly increase the risk of HIV transmission, underscoring the importance of addressing these infections to combat the broader HIV epidemic.

MAX’s new program also aims to minimize the time between testing and treatment. Individuals can often collect a testing kit and schedule a treatment appointment at Ottawa Public Health on the same day. If results are not available immediately, the usual wait time is one to two business days. Awad shared feedback from a user who noted that the time from receiving results to obtaining treatment was quicker than ordering food, highlighting the program’s efficiency.

The swabs and testing kits available at MAX are provided free of charge, removing financial barriers to access. Awad emphasized the necessity of taking the online assessment to determine appropriate testing needs before visiting the clinic.

He stated, “The kit system is based on behavior. The assessment takes you through a whole set of criteria.” This system ensures that individuals receive tests tailored to their circumstances, making the process more effective.

Awad hopes that these accessible testing options will encourage regular STI screenings, especially since many infections do not present noticeable symptoms. “The best way to know for any STI is to test,” he advised, encouraging those who engage in sexual activity to test regularly for peace of mind and prompt treatment if needed.

Ultimately, the goal of MAX’s initiative is to empower individuals to take charge of their health. “Services like this that reduce the barriers people face in accessing appropriate health care are how we need to move forward with public health in the future,” Awad asserted. He believes that a decentralized approach to healthcare will allow multiple pathways for individuals to receive care, promoting better health outcomes across the community.