Local health organizations weigh in during Sexual Health Awareness Month

BERRIEN COUNTY, Ind. -- The Berrien County Health Department is promoting good sexual health practices during Sexual Health Awareness Month. 

The World Health Organization groups together physical, mental, emotional and social well-being all in relation to sexual health. 

Physical health is probably the main one you think of when you hear sexual health though, and that includes things like vaccines, STI tests and birth control. 

This month serves as a good reminder to get tested if you aren’t already doing so. You can get them done for little to even no cost here locally. 

Planned Parenthood on Grape Road in Mishawaka offers cheap STI testing. You can schedule an appointment online 24/7 or give them a call, and you can even be seen the same day or same week. 

Aids Ministries in South Bend and Elkhart also offer free STI testing. You can schedule ahead of time, but no appointment is necessary. 

They also offer testing kits you can use at home specifically for HIV testing. You can fill out a form on their website to have one sent to you. 

The Berrien County Health Department offers low-cost testing in Benton Harbor and Niles and accepts most insurances. 

You can walk into either Sexual Health Clinic on Wednesdays from 1-4p.m. Telehealth appointments are also available Monday-Thursday from 8-5p.m.

Useful links: 

Planned Parenthood's resources can be found on their website.

Aids Ministries' services can be found on their website.

The Berrien County Health Department's services can be found on their website.

More from the CDC and World Health Organization on Sexual Health Awareness Month can be found here.

All services are judgement free!