There are few dilemmas more stressful than an unexpected pregnancy or exposure to a sexually transmitted disease. The last thing you want to do is compound the experience with worry about how to pay for the necessary medical care. Thankfully, there are a few local organizations that offer services from low costs to no cost.
Each year, UTSA encourages students to take advantage of its free-of-charge, 20-minute HIV screenings provided at both the downtown and main campuses. The program, which is private and confidential, is sponsored by UTSA’s Student Health Services and the Minority Education Institute Initiative Program Coordinating Center.
For an administrative fee of $15, you can receive a screening for most STDs at the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, located deep in the heart of downtown. According to their website, their STD and HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Program provides evaluation for and diagnosis of STD infections, as well as treatment and counseling.
The Pregnancy Care Center not only provides free limited STD and pregnancy testing, they also have a dos-and-don’ts guide for men with pregnant partners. The Center, which runs a 24-hour hotline, also provides peer counseling, abortion information, post-abortion support, adoption referrals, and a mentoring program.
The Baptist Health System has seven pregnancy center locations throughout the city. There is no appointment necessary, and all services are confidential. Other free services include prenatal education classes and physician referral services.
Planned Parenthood
104 Babcock Rd
plannedparenthood.org/pptrustsanantonio
(210) 736-2244
Pregnancy Care Center
8131 I-10 W Suite 125
www.sapregnancy.com
(210) 614-4124
1-800-395-HELP
San Antonio Aids Foundation
818 E Grayson
www.txsaaf.org
(210) 225-4715
San Antonio Metropolitan Health District
332 W Commerce St Rm 104
www.sanantonio.gov/STDHIV-mainpage.html
(210) 207-8830
UTSA Student and Health Services
Downtown Campus, Buena Vista St Building
Main Campus, Recreation and Wellness Center
www.utsa.edu/health
(210) 458-4142
