As part of STI Awareness Month, the Berrien County Health Department is shining a spotlight on its prevention services through the Taking Pride in Prevention (TPIP) program and its Sexual Health Clinic.
A Michigan Department of Health and Human Services initiative, TPIP helps young people learn about healthy relationships and sexual health. BCHD administers TPIP locally to equip young people and parents with tools to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
“Parents and caregivers play the most important role in guiding children through adolescence,” said Miranda Bronicki-Dopp, BCHD’s family health program manager. “Through TPIP, we’re here to partner with parents and help them feel confident leading ‘the talk’ about sexual health and prevention.”
TPIP provides medically accurate education on both abstinence and contraception for young people ages 12-19. The program emphasizes informed decision-making, personal responsibility and open communication within families. Topics include STI transmission, HIV prevention, consent and building healthy relationships.
In Berrien County, BCHD’s TPIP program includes current, medically accurate sexual health information through youth-centered curriculum and educational modules focused on health decision-making. It also offers interactive workshops and resources to support parents and caregivers. For more information about local TPIP programming, email parenting@bchdmi.org.
BCHD’s Sexual Health Clinic provides confidential, accessible care for community members both in person and through telehealth. The clinic offers testing, treatment, counseling and preventive care designed to support the community’s overall wellbeing.
Services available through the Sexual Health Clinic include:
- Immunizations, including for human papillomavirus.
- Sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment.
- Rapid HIV testing and counseling.
- Expedited partner therapy for individuals whose partners may have been exposed to an STI, helping prevent further spread of infection.
These services are offered at reduced costs compared with many other local providers, and most forms of insurance are accepted. The clinic offers same-day and walk-in appointments for faster results and peace of mind.
“While we’re encouraged to see STI case numbers trending downward in Berrien County, our focus remains on prevention,” said Dionne Rigozzi, BCHD clinical and community health services supervisor. “Through programs like TPIP and our Sexual Health Clinic, we want to ensure community members have the education, testing and support they need to stay healthy.”
Sexual Health Clinic appointments are available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at BCHD’s Benton Harbor office, 2149 E. Napier Ave., and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at its Niles office, 1205 N. Front St. Walk-in services are available 1-4 p.m. Wednesday at both locations. Telehealth appointments are available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
Community members may request an appointment online or by calling 269.926.7121.
MDHHS offers comprehensive STI testing guidance for sexually active women, men, pregnant individuals, men who have sex with men, gender diverse persons and individuals with HIV.
