Black Hawk County Public Health

This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.

Clinic Services

Black Hawk County Public Health Center offers confidential HIV and STD testing, treatment, and education.

‍Clinic Location ‍

Public Health Center
The Pinecrest Building, 5th Floor
1407 Independence Avenue
Waterloo, IA 50703‍

319-291-2413

Times of Operation:  Services are available every Monday – Thursday 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. as a Walk-In Clinic, on a first come first serve basis, or appointments can be scheduled.

Eligibility requirement /Cost: Services are provided free of charge to anyone seeking STD/HIV testing. A fee of for service may be charged for certain requested test. The clinic staff will review this information with you prior to testing.  

How to participate: The Public Health Center Clinic is held at the Black Hawk County Health Department located at 1407 Independence Ave 5th FL, in Waterloo Iowa. Parking is available in the front parking lot. The Registration staff will guide you through the process of the paperwork.

What to bring: Proof identity. 

What to expect:

• Front reception staff will provide you with a number, registration form to complete and guide you to the waiting area.
• Registration staff will call your number, take you to private office and complete the registration process.  
• A nurse will take you to a private room and review your medical history. During this time, you may discuss any concerns. The nurse will also answer any questions you may have and discuss testing options.
• You will then see the clinician who will discuss your care and offer an examination. During the examination, the clinician will explain everything that is being done and why.
• Based on your discussion with the clinician and your examination, the clinician may decide to treat you at your visit before your results come back.
• If any tests come back positive and the Clinician has not treated you, the nurse will call you and inform you of your results and arrange a time to return to the Health Department for treatment.

How long does it take: Expect your visit to take a minimum of 30 minutes. As clients are seeking STD services, there may be problems that arise causing a longer wait. Please understand we will spend as much time with you as needed.

HIV Testing

HIV Testing is FREE and confidential, no appointments necessary. Testing is free Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m... We are a safe space. If you have any questions please feel free to give us call at 319-291-2413.

Free condoms are available. 

How to participate: No appointment is necessary for HIV testing. Give us a call at 319-291-2413 for more information.

How long does it take: Testing takes between 10-20 minutes

‍

PrEP for HIV Prevention

PrEP stands for Pre Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV prevention; it is a new and vital part of overall HIV risk reduction. By taking a medication (Truvada) every day, PrEP clients can lower their risk of contracting HIV by nearly 98%. This treatment program has been made available for those who are vulnerable for acquiring HIV from risky sexual or injection drug practices as well as those who have an exclusive relationship with an HIV (+) partner.

Participating in the PrEP program through partnerships with Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) and the Black Hawk County Health Department provides you with:

• Medication monitoring to watch for dosing patterns and side effect
• Risk-reduction counseling
• Regular STD screening and treatment
• HIV Screening (rapid testing)
• Hepatitis C screening (rapid testing)
• Immunization status review and update, as needed (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B)

How to enroll: Ask the clinic staff for more information about PrEP. 

Eligibility requirements: You must be HIV negative AND at increased risk of HIV exposure; ‍

What to expect: Clinic staff will review your risk of HIV exposure and provide you with information about the program. A referral for the PrEP program can be made by clinic staff or self referred. PrEP takes commitment from you and ongoing monitoring from your PrEP team.