Connect Medical Clinic combats rising STI rates, 369% increase, in North Dakota

Mar. 7—DICKINSON — North Dakota has seen a staggering 369% increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) per 100,000 residents over the last two decades. While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the spike, reduced prevention awareness, failure to practice safe sex and antibiotic-resistant strains of diseases have been touted as the cause.

Despite these alarming statistics, Connect Medical Clinic, a local non-profit clinic in Dickinson, is working tirelessly to provide accessible, affordable and non-judgmental care aimed at combating the rising STI rates in southwest North Dakota. The clinic offers a variety of sexual health services, education, and support for women and men in the community, taking a holistic and empowering approach to its care.

"Sexual health covers the most intimate interactions and relationships we have as humans. It is important to us, if we are going to be trusted with the most private aspects of someone's life, we honor that vulnerability and create a safe space where no one feels judged," Tara Zettel Executive Director said.

Of five major STI categories including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and three types of Syphilis, North Dakota saw the largest rate increase per capita according to the study done by ValuePenguin, an online research group that analyzed data provided by the CDC.

Though the study indicated it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the increase, they attributed the spike to reduced STD prevention awareness, failure to practice safe sex, and antibiotic resistant strains of the diseases.

The Dickinson clinic works to combat this through evidence-based medical services, education, and support surrounding sexual health and pregnancy.

The clinic offers an STI screening panel for a flat fee of $25 to individuals with or without symptoms, though screening tests are based on risk factors such as anyone who is sexually active, has had more than one partner, or who has partners who have had more than one partner.

"We approach sexual health holistically and assess not just physical, but mental, emotional, spiritual, and practical needs, knowing that people are not "just" sexual beings, and sexual activity isn't "just" about the physical act," Zettel said.

Access to affordable health care is important to the team, and as nurse manager, Chelsey Crone says, even if someone couldn't pay the $25, they would never turn them away. As a nonprofit, the company relies in part on its monthly donors, one of whom donates monthly to help cover the cost of patients who can't afford a service they might need.

"We would definitely work with them and if we need to provide a free service, we'll provide a free service," Crone said.

Zettel and Crone recommend those who are not in long-term mutually monogamous relationships be tested annually or with any new partner.

"Many STIs have no symptoms and left undetected can cause health and fertility problems in the future," Zettel said.

The clinic also provides rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing which provides results within 20 minutes. For women, the clinic offers rapid Trichomoniasis and Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) testing with results in 10 minutes. Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis testing is provided at the clinic with results from the public health lab back in a few days. The clinic is able to treat Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, BV, herpes, and HPV warts with treatment at a flat fee of $10.

As for STI prevention, Zettel says the clinic follows the public health model of primary and secondary prevention in our education.

"The best way to avoid contracting an STI is to abstain from sexual activity until you are in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner," according to the CDC.

Secondary prevention methods reduce the risk of contracting an STI including condom use, limiting the number of partners, delaying sexual initiation, and even getting the HPV vaccine Zettel said.

"We want people to know that sexual health is health," Zettel and Crone agreed.

While Zettel and Crone understand that it might feel uncomfortable to tell a stranger one's sexual history, walking through the doors of Connect Medical doesn't mean an individual has done anything "wrong" or "dirty".

"People who walk through our doors are honoring their health, wellness, future fertility, and any partners they have or will have," Zettel said.

Crone noted that the more people are on the increase for getting tested and knowing their status and their partners, the more we can combat increases. As the team puts it, Connect Medical Clinic is here to meet individuals right where they are and help them make confident decisions about their sexual health and pregnancy. Aside from STI testing and treatment, the clinic offers a variety of educational services about sexual health, pregnancy, and parenting education support, cycle charting and natural birth control education.

The clinic has a nurse practitioner whose services include well-women exams PAP testing, and more services on the horizon.

Patients are able to make appointments online or by calling 701-483-9353 or texting the clinic at 701-840-6280.

Walk-in availability depends on cancellations that day as the clinic is typically booked, though Zettel says they always try to work with everyone as best as they can.