The Place for Youth Health: Youth

Polk County Oregon Official Website

The Place for Youth Health in Polk County offers health services to you for FREE or at a low cost.

What we can do for you:
• HIV and STI/STD Testing
Women's Annual Exams
Pregnancy Testing
• Health Information
• Prevention
Birth Control (for women and men)
• Advice
• Referrals
Flu Shots
Immunizations
 

About usThe Place for Youth Health is a refuge for youth seeking advice and assistance in making healthy and safe decisions. The health services we offer are confidential, as well as low-cost and even sometimes FREE. We are here for you, so let us answer your questions today so we can help protect your tomorrow.

Have a question?
Here are some resources:

Birth Control Methods (English) 
Birth Control Methods (Spanish)

What you need to know: The Basics

Worried about how much it is going to cost?
Most teens qualify for reduced or no-cost services and birth control. However, anyone can receive free condoms- even without an appointment! Still concerned with cost? Call ahead of time with any questions and we’ll happily go over them with you.

We can keep a secret
Oregon has confidentiality laws that have you covered - your appointment will be private and kept confidential between you and the nurse. The only reason your information may be shared is in abusive or illegal situations. The nurses are friendly - just ask them if you have questions!

What you need to bring with you when you visit The Place for Youth Health
There are four main things to remember to bring to your appointment:
1. Your ID - Driver’s license, school ID or state issued identification card (basically, something that proves of your identity).    
2. Health history information - Allergies, current medications, sexual history, etc.
3. Your U.S. birth certificate or passport - Can’t find it? Can't get to it? Don’t have one? Not a U.S. citizen? No worries! You can still be seen and we will help you get the right paperwork to make sure you get the health services you need.
4. Health insurance information - If you have health insurance, bring your information. You don't have to use the health insurance, but we still need that information.

Trust us; we are not as scary as you may think
What should I ask the nurse? and What will the nurse ask me? are common questions that teens ask themselves before visiting health clinics. Many individuals will not seek help out of fear of these questions. Don’t let this happen to you, come prepared by knowing what to expect during a visit with us by checking out the links above.
 

 Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do I need birth control?
If you’re sexually active, birth control is the best way to prevent a pregnancy and/or STI. To review your options before visiting us, take some time to use the Birth Control Exploration feature to see what method might be best for you.

Why should I use a condom?
Condoms are one of the best ways to prevent both pregnancy and the transmission of STDs/STIs. To even better protect yourself or your partner, come have a conversation with a friendly health professional at The Place for Youth Health.

What if I'm not ready for sex? What if I have other plans?
Have the feeling that you want to wait? The reality is that there are less people engaging in sexual activity than you think. Many youths are striving for other things and focusing on their life goals. Be sure to never let anyone, including yourself, make you feel like you’re the only one postponing having sex.

I don't want to have sex. What else can I do instead?
Despite what you may think, there are a lot of  fun date ideas you can do with your partner that don’t involve engaging in sexual activity and can still show how much you care for one another

For more information please check out the “Youth Health” site for an overview on how to stay healthy as a youth!