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Free COVID-19 testing facilities available near you

Written by SHFPACT on .

Getting tested for COVID-19? The ACT Government Weston Creek Walk-in Centre and the drive through facility at EPIC are busier than ever.

But did you know that there are other free and easily accessible testing facilities available?

If you think you have COVID-19, please call your GP or visit a Respiratory Assessment Clinic. 

You can book into a free appointment at:

  • YourGPCrace – 1/5 Baratta Street, Crace. Book online
  • 02 109 0000
  • LakeviewMedicalPractice – 1/216 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway. Call 6185 1986 to book an appointment or book online
  • Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service – 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah, provides a free and culturally appropriate assessment and testing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and existing clients. Before visiting, call ahead on (02) 6284 6222.

For details on testing, locations and opening times visit the COVID-19 website at covid19.act.gov.au

Testing children for COVID-19Due to the nature of the COVID-19 test, it is difficult to test children within a vehicle. 

For this reason, children under eight should have their test at one of the following; the Weston Creek Walk-in Centre, one of the Commonwealth funded GP Respiratory Assessment Clinics (as listed above) or their local GP, rather than the drive through RAC at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC). 

Children under two years can only be seen at the Weston Creek Walk-in Centre when a GP is rostered on shift – please call 02 5124 8080.

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia

Written by SHFPACT Staff on .

SAISACT IDAHOBIT

IDAHOBIT stands for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia and  is held on the 17 May, each year around the world in over 130 countries!  But what does all this mean?

Minority sexuality and gender identities, and people who are intersex, can face negative attitudes, stereotypes and prejudices that lead to discrimination, exclusion, harassment and violence.

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LARC Access COVID-19

Written by Tim Bavinton on .

Please note that this statement was relevant in Australia at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the risk and consequences of COVID were assessed to outweigh the risk of contraceptive failure with extended use of LARC. Now that restrictions have eased, and regular access to contraceptive services have for the most part resumed, it is advisable to return to practice of replacing LARC at the standard time interval to minimise the risk of contraceptive failure. However should the situation change and restrictions reapplied this statement informs our approach to LARC access in these circumstances.

SHFPACT Position Statement: LARC Access During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Extended use of and ongoing access to LARCs during the COVID-19 pandemic Provision of contraception is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent unintended pregnancies.

This is particularly important for individuals most at risk, including young people due to their high levels of fertility, people with serious health conditions, and for those who are post-abortion. Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive methods (LARCs) are more effective than shorter acting methods1 and increased community access and uptake is associated with lower abortion rates. 2-4

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What is normal vaginal discharge

Written by Melissa Kang | The Conversation on .

Vaginal DischargeV-juice, vovey-goo, vu-dew… there are many ways to describe the natural fluid that comes out of the vagina. It varies in consistency, texture, smell, taste and volume in the same woman from day to day, week to week, month to month and beyond. 

 During puberty, several hormones act together to grow the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and external genitals. The hormones oestrogen and progesterone contribute most to the evolution of the glorious ecosystem that is the adult vagina.

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National Condom Day 2020 - It's a wrap!

Written by SHFPACT Staff on .

National Condom Day 2020

National Condom Day is an Australia state-wide event and takes place on the 14 February 'Valentine’s Day' each year.

It's is a day where we are reminded that condoms are still the best way to stop the transmission of STI's and HIV, and also help prevent unplanned pregnancy.

See this year's photos below.

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