ACAP receives funding for testing

    HEALTH 1st, a division of Aroostook County Action Program has received funds for 2008 to provide free Chlamydia and pregnancy testing to women ages 25 to 39 who cannot afford to pay for the service.     This grant was awarded by the Maine Chapter of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundations.
    ACAP’s HEALTH 1st has been providing family planning and reproductive health services to females in Aroostook County for 35 years. This project proposes to increase education and services for women of childbearing age who have a sexually transmitted infection or are at risk of getting one. These interventions have the potential to impact the health of mothers and babies in the area. Women who test positive for Chlamydia will be provided treatment at no cost, multivitamins with folic acid, information, and follow-up about reducing future risks.
    Chlamydia trachomatis is recognized as the leading agent of sexually transmitted infections (STI) worldwide.
    Chlamydia can lead to or be associated with other health problems, such as HIV and other STIs.
    Once found, Chlamydia can be tested and cured with antibiotics.
    Free services are aimed at women between the ages of 25 and 39 who do not have health insurance because they usually do not qualify for free testing from other sources. A woman of childbearing age does not necessarily know the implications of having Chlamydia. There is a wealth of information on ways to reduce risks for women who are pregnant or at risk of becoming pregnant.
    An appointment for testing may be made by calling one of the HEALTH 1st medical offices toll-free at 1-800-432-7881 or in Fort Kent at 834-3513, in Presque Isle at 768-3062, and Houlton at 532-5303.