LOS ANGELES—Next week, August 3-5, Cutting Edge Testing will offer free stand-alone chlamydia/gonorrhea tests at its new facility in Sherman Oaks as well as at satellite stations.
According to an email send out today by Diane Duke, chief executive officer of the Free Speech Coalition, the free testing will be provided in response to "a few anecdotal stories from performers and agents" as well as comments from the local health department during the most recent PASS Advisory Council meeting about a rise in cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea.
According to Duke's email, "Representatives from APAC and LATATA requested that we address the issue with additional screening of chlamydia/gonorrhea. Doctors present at the meeting agreed that additional screening will add another layer of protection for performers."
In what Duke describes as "an abundance of caution," PASS (Performer Availability Screening Services) will offer free stand-alone chlamydia/gonorrhea tests next Monday through Wednesday at Cutting Edge Testing. PASS, APAC and LATATA invite and encourage all active performers to come to the new Cutting Edge Testing facility in the San Fernando Valley (4835 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 117, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403) or access one of the satellite stations (http://cuttingedgetesting.com/locations/) to receive a free chlamydia/gonorrhea test.
Duke noted that PASS, APAC and LATATA jointly expressed thanks to Cutting Edge Testing for donating staff time to provide the tests at cost to PASS, thus enabling the organization to provide the tests at no cost to performers.
