Free and confidential STI testing for LGBTIQA+ communities. Clinic operating every month, PrEP prescriptions available, no medicare required.
STRIP Clinic makes it easier and more comfortable for LGBTIQA+ community members to look after their sexual health. STRIP Clinic is quick, simple and free to access. STRIP Clinic is for people who do not have STI symptoms.* We also offer limited booked appointments for prescriptions for starting PrEP**.
Friendly and professional nurses and doctors from Canberra Sexual Health Centre are in attendance.
Tests conducted at STRIP clinics are for asymptomatic STIs and those that do not always have obvious symptoms, including;
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis A, B and C
All tests are voluntary and can be discussed with the nurses. The tests are designed to be as non-invasive as possible, and some samples are self-collected in privacy.
Bookings are required. Contact our office during business hours by on 02 6257 2855 to book, or email [email protected] to find out more.
All STRIP Clinic sessions run from 4.30pm - 6.35pm.
Location:
Meridian
85 Northbourne Avenue (Gould St entrance)
Turner ACT 2612
(02) 6257 2855
Remaining dates for 2024 STRIP Clinic are as follows:
- 16 December
Dates for 2025 STRIP Clinic are as follows:
- 20 January
- 17 February
- 17 March
- 28 April
- 19 May
- 16 June
*If you think you have symptoms of an STI, contact a healthcare provider like a GP, medical center, or your local sexual health clinic as soon as possible.
*If you have had a possible exposure to HIV, PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) can help to prevent HIV Infection after possible exposure. The sooner someone starts PEP, the better, but it must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure. You can access PEP from Emergency Departments (including Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital), and during business hours at the Canberra Sexual Health Centre.
**Getting access to PrEP isn’t easy for everyone. Meridian can support your access to the Green Cross Pharmacy PrEP Coupon Program. If you find the cost of importing your own PrEP or filling a prescription in Australia prohibitive for any reason, this program can provide a coupon for free supply of PrEP for 3 months upon application.
This program might be for you if:
- you are not eligible for Medicare,
- you are an overseas student,
- you are experiencing some financial stress.
To access this program, you will need a current prescription from your doctor or clinic (like STRIP). Then take a photo or scan your script and email it to [email protected]. If you have a student card, copy or scan that too. In the email write briefly why you need support to access PrEP.
If you have any questions, contact Meridian on 02 6257 2855 or [email protected].
STRIP Clinic is a project of PACT, the Partnership Approach to Comprehensive Testing, running since 2002. PACT is collaboration between Meridian, Canberra Sexual Health Centre, SWOP ACT and Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT as well as the venues that allow the clinics on their premises.
For additional information about sexual health testing available across Canberra, or to book a time during STRIP Clinic please call our office on 02 6257 2855 during business hours.
Free, friendly, and confidential sexual health testing is also available at Canberra Sexual Health Centre. They have appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 9:00am and 4:30pm, and Wednesdays between 12:30 and 4:30pm. They also run 'M-Clinic' for men who have sex with men who don't have STI symptoms on the first Tuesday of the month (excluding public holidays) from 4.30pm - 7pm. Bookings can be made by calling Canberra Sexual Health Centre on 02 5124 2184.
You can also buy a HIV Self-Test Kit at Meridian if you would prefer to take this test at home. Kits cost $25.00 and come with a simple to follow instruction booklet and YouTube video.