MARSHALL — The bad news — from 2006 to 2016, the chlamydia rate in Minnesota has increased by 71 percent, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

The good news is that it’s treatable.

A simple urine test is all that’s needed to find out if you have this sexually transmitted infection. The nurses at Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council on South Fifth Street in Marshall are testing people Wednesday for chlamydia as well as gonorrhea. STI testing is offered all year, but April 25 is Minnesota Statewide STI Testing Day.

Walk-ins are welcome. Office hours are from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Insurance is accepted, but “we don’t turn anyone away,” said Elizabeth Bunjer, RN.

Bunjer said office visits are confidential.

“We want communication to be open and honest,” she said. “We’re nonjudgmental. We want the best for the client — to be happy and healthy.”

“Most STIs don’t have symptoms,” said Katie Kuehl, RN, “so it’s important to be tested at least once a year so you know your status.”

Education is also offered during office visits including talking about STI prevention and the use of condoms.

“Condoms need to be used correctly and every time,” said Bunjer.

April is National Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Month, a national health observance sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help break the silence and alert everyone to the growing crisis of STDs/STIs occurring in the United States, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. This year’s theme is Treat Me Right, which involves fostering a trusting patient-provider relationship.

According to the American Social Health Association, over one in two Americans will contract an STD/STI at some point in their lifetimes.

SMOC Family Planning covers 15 counties and has five sites: Marshall, Southwest Minnesota State University, Redwood Falls, Milan and Worthington. Appointments may be made by calling 507-537-1950 or texting 507-530-4300.