Chelsea STD Clinic To Reopen As Infection Rates Soar

CHELSEA, NY — A city-run sexual health clinic in Chelsea that's been closed for more than two years will re-open later this year as the city sees a spike in sexually transmitted diseases.

The Chelsea Sexual Health Clinic at 303 Ninth Ave. closed its doors in March 2015 in dire need of repairs. Since then, the number of STDs tracked throughout New York City has soared, particularly in Chelsea – a neighborhood that has consistently seen high numbers of reported sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

The neighborhood has more reported cases of men who have contracted chlamydia and gonorrhea than any other neighborhood, according to the city's most recent figures.

Citywide, the rate of STDs has risen notably. Reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have all reached their highest levels in 30 years, according to a February analysis by the Independent Budget Office.

Throughout this city and neighborhood wide increase, the city's health center in Chelsea has been under construction. The clinic was closed in 2015 for a massive $17 million renovation and the interior of the building has since been completely gutted and redesigned. In its place, the city has deployed a mobile health clinic that is usually parked in Chelsea, although it sometimes roves throughout Manhattan.

In addition, the Community Healthcare Network has a permanent mobile health center parked outside 303 Ninth Ave. that provides sexual health services as well as primary care.

Dr. Matthew Weissman, the chief medical officer at the Community Healthcare Network, said the nonprofit's mobile health center has seen frequent and regular use in its Chelsea location. In conjunction with the city's mobile health clinic, Weissman said CHN was able to provide patients with adequate care, or else refer patients to nearby providers.

"I don't have any reason to believe that people aren't getting care who need care," he said.

Weissman noted that New York City has a particularly comprehensive plan to address sexual health. In February, the city launched a $1 million, millennial-friendly advertising campaign promoting its sexual health services.

"Whenever I see high numbers of STIs, sure I'm concerned that there are so many in that neighborhood but it also points to the fact that people are getting tested," he said about Chelsea's rate.

A City Hall source told Patch that city officials have given community leaders and advocates regular construction updates and that the renovation has progressed on schedule.

Staffers at the Chelsea clinic were relocated to the three other city facilities, two of which are on the Upper West Side and another in Harlem.

The city's sexual health clinics offer low-cost or free testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and HIV. The clinics also provide vaccines for human papillomavirus, meningitis, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, as well as emergency contraception and counseling services.

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All images via Ciara McCarthy/Patch.