There’s a public health conversation that too many people are still afraid to have — and that silence is costing lives.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are on the rise across the United States, and Arizona is not immune. That’s why Alium Health is proud to announce our formal partnership with the State of Arizona to help stop the spread of STDs through education, accessible testing, and compassionate, stigma-free care.

This isn’t just a program. This is a commitment.

Why This Partnership Matters Right Now

According to the CDC’s Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance Report, the United States continues to see record-breaking rates of reportable STDs — including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Arizona has consistently ranked among states with elevated STD rates, particularly among young adults aged 15–24.

The numbers are sobering:

  • Over 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are reported annually in the U.S.
  • Many infections go undetected — most people with STDs have no symptoms at all.
  • Untreated STDs can lead to serious long-term health complications, including infertility, increased HIV risk, and pregnancy complications.

The CDC estimates that nearly 1 in 5 people in the United States has a sexually transmitted infection at any given time — that’s approximately 68 million infections.— CDC STI Prevalence Estimates

The most powerful weapon against this epidemic? Knowledge, access, and care — without judgment.

What Alium Health and the State of Arizona Are Doing About It

Through this partnership, Alium Health is expanding our integrated care model to directly address STD prevention and treatment in the communities we serve in Scottsdale and Mesa, Arizona.

Here’s what that means for you and your community:

Accessible Testing & Screening

We are making STD testing a routine, normalized part of primary care. No awkward conversations. No shame. Just straightforward, confidential medical care. Our integrated approach means your primary care provider and mental health team work together — because sexual health is whole-body health.

Education & Awareness Outreach

Knowledge is prevention. Through this state partnership, Alium Health is committed to delivering community education programs that give Arizonans the accurate, science-backed information they need to protect themselves and their partners.

Wraparound Support

An STD diagnosis can come with emotional weight — anxiety, shame, fear, uncertainty. Our integrated mental health services mean you don’t have to face that alone. Our therapists and counselors are here.

What You Need to Know About STDs — The Facts

Let’s talk facts, not fear.

What are STDs?Sexually transmitted diseases (also called sexually transmitted infections, or STIs) are infections passed from person to person through sexual contact. Some can also be transmitted through blood or from mother to child during pregnancy or birth.

Common STDs include:

  • Chlamydia — the most commonly reported STD in the U.S.; often has no symptoms
  • Gonorrhea — a bacterial infection that can affect the genitals, rectum, and throat
  • Syphilis — a bacterial infection with stages that can become very serious if untreated
  • Herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2) — extremely common; many people are unaware they carry it
  • HIV — a virus that attacks the immune system; with modern treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives
  • HPV — the most common STI; vaccines are available and highly effective
  • Hepatitis B — can be sexually transmitted; vaccine-preventable

The CDC has excellent, plain-language resources on each of these:

Prevention Works — And It Starts With You

The good news: STDs are largely preventable. Here’s what the CDC recommends:

  • Get tested regularly — especially if you have multiple partners or a new partner
  • Use condoms consistently and correctly — they significantly reduce risk for most STDs
  • Talk openly with partners about sexual health history and testing
  • Get vaccinated — vaccines exist for HPV and Hepatitis B
  • Consider PrEP if you’re at high risk for HIV — Learn more at CDC.gov
  • Limit number of sexual partners — the fewer partners, the lower your exposure risk

“The only way to completely avoid STDs is to not have sex. But if you are sexually active, you can take steps to lower your chances of getting an STD.”— CDC, How You Can Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Why Alium Health?

We know healthcare can feel intimidating — especially for sensitive topics. At Alium Health, we actually care. That’s not a tagline. It’s the foundation of everything we do.

Our integrated model means your physical health and mental health are treated as one. Whether you’re coming in for STD testing, follow-up care, therapy after a difficult diagnosis, or just a routine checkup, you’ll be met with the same thing every time: genuine compassion and expert care.

We accept most insurance providers. Telehealth options are available. We serve patients in Scottsdale and Mesa, AZ, and we’re ready to see you — often within a week.

Take the Next Step

This partnership with the State of Arizona is about more than policy. It’s about people. It’s about your neighbor, your friend, your family member who hasn’t been tested because they didn’t know where to go, or were too afraid to ask.

You don’t have to be afraid here.

  • Schedule your STD screening today at either of our locations:
    • Scottsdale: 7425 E Shea Blvd, Suite 107, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
    • Mesa: 2242 W Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202
  • Patient Portal: 
  • Phone: 480-750-0095
  • Website: aliumhealth.org

Together — with the State of Arizona, with our community, and with every patient who walks through our doors — we can stop the spread.

Alium Health is a comprehensive, integrated healthcare provider offering primary care and mental health services to the Scottsdale and Mesa communities. We accept most insurance plans. For a full list of accepted insurances, visitaliumhealth.com/insurances-accepted

References & Resources: