Need2Know Lake County / STI Program

The STI Program provides comprehensive care and prevention services for individuals in need in Lake County. Our services are available to anyone 12 years of age or older without parental/guardian consent.  

Services include:

NEED2KNOW
  • HIV counseling, testing, and care
  • Sexually transmitted infection (STI) counseling and testing services, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis screenings
  • Treatment for individuals diagnosed with an STI and their partners
  • Hepatitis A/B and HPV vaccinations
  • Hepatitis C counseling, screening, and care
  • Harm reduction services, including syringe support services and safer sex supplies
  • LGBTQ+ services and gender health services for trans and gender fluid individuals
  • PrEP and nPEP for the prevention of HIV
  • Outreach and surveillance services related to all sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and Hepatitis C. 
  • Health education, treatment adherence counseling, psychosocial support groups, and linkage to care
  • Partner services to individuals living with and vulnerable to HIV. 

STI Testing

  • Appointments are available Monday through Friday. Limited walk-ins available
  • Screenings are available for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, HIV, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and yeast. Visual examination for HPV (human papillomavirus) and herpes.
  • Most insurances are accepted, including the Illinois Medical Card.
  • Charge assessed at the time of appointment.
  • Appointments for STI testing are not made more than 48 hours in advance.

STI Education

STI Program staff offer education programs to various community groups. The programs are designed to address how STIs, HCV, and HIV are transmitted, treated, and prevented. Presentation content is tailored to suit the needs of each group.

One-on-one counseling/education for STIs, HCV, and HIV is available upon request. One will learn about individual infections and how they are spread, treated, and prevented.

A variety of safer sex supplies are also available free of charge upon request.

PrEP and nPEP Services

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a sexual health program. It includes a medicine that you take every day or an injection you get every other month to prevent HIV. Being on PrEP lowers your risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 95 percent. If you inject drugs, PrEP can lower your risk by more than 75 percent. Using condoms and PrEP together lowers your risk for HIV even more.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) is a medicine that you take if you think you have been exposed to HIV. Taking nPEP reduces your risk for HIV infection. You must start taking nPEP within 72 hours (3 days) and continue taking it for 28 days.

If you have sex or share needles with someone who is HIV-positive or with someone whose HIV status you do not know, you may be vulnerable to HIV. The good news is that you can lower your risk with PrEP and nPEP.  For more information about getting on PrEP or nPEP, call 847-377-8450.

HIV Services

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) kills cells that fight disease and infection. This makes a person’s immune system weaker. If it is not treated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). With the right care, HIV can be controlled and prevented. 

It is important to know your HIV status. Everyone should be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. For free and confidential HIV testing, to get into care, or to get help with medication, call 847-377-8450. View the CDC's HIV 101 infographic to learn more about HIV. 

Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment

Hepatitis C is a disease that affects the liver and can be deadly if not treated. Most people with Hepatitis C do not have symptoms. Everyone should be tested at least once in their lifetime. For more information about getting testing and treatment, call 847-377-8450.

STI/HIV Brochures