The WA AIDS Council (WAAC) is dedicated to increasing the accessibility and acceptability of sexual health services to same sex attracted men. For many years WAAC has been running a weekly Monday night testing clinic at Perth Steamworks. A couple of years ago the AIDS Council also opened a Monday to Friday testing clinic at the Murray St office.
HIV/STI tests are now also available from the WA AIDS Council at 664 Murray Street, West Perth, every Saturday morning at our new F.L.A.S.H – Friendly, Local, Approachable, Sexual Health – Clinic. Appointments can be made by calling the AIDS Council on (08) 9482 0000, or guys can simply drop in from 9.00am to 12.30pm. The tests are free with a Medicare card, without Medicare there is a charge. Those who do not have a Medicare card and want to ask about free testing options can call the WA AIDS Council.
We have opened the new Saturday morning F.L.A.S.H clinic to make it easier for guys to get regular sexual health check ups. We understand that people may find it difficult to get time off during working hours. So, we predict this after hour’s option is likely to be attractive to busy people.
AIDS Councils around Australia have been asking same sex attracted guys to test regularly. The guidelines recommend that men, who have 1-3 partners a year, should test once a year, those who have 4-8 partners a year, should test every 6 months, and those who have 9 or more partners a year, should test every 3 months.
Following these guidelines will ensure early and effective treatment for anyone who contracts an STI. Earlier detection also reduces the opportunity for an infection to spread throughout sexual networks. Opening the Saturday morning clinic is one step WAAC is taking to increase accessibility of sexual health services to same sex attracted men.
WAAC is eager to continue adapting, expanding, and improving sexual health services for same sex attracted men, and our new F.L.A.S.H clinic is a step in the right direction.
Ben Bradstreet.
