Join Us in Confronting Public Health Challenges: March Focus - HIV and STDs

This year, we are committed to addressing the top 10 public health challenges. In March, our focus is on HIV and STDs, persistent threats to our community's well-being. Shockingly, Kern County saw a record number of HIV diagnoses in 2022, with someone being diagnosed every other day. STDs like syphilis are also reaching crisis levels, affecting even our most vulnerable infants with congenital syphilis.

But there is hope. Our clinic, alongside community efforts, provides an array of services. Kern County Public Health offers FREE HIV rapid tests, delivering confidential results within 20 minutes! Empower yourself. Protect your community. Get tested and treated.

Clinic Services Information:

• Location: Kern County Public Health Clinic
• Address: 1800 Mt. Vernon Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93306
• Phone: 661-321-3000
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 11:15 am and 12:45 pm to 4:15 pm

Confidentiality:

Confidentiality is strictly observed for all patients aged 12 and older.

Appointments and Walk-ins:

Appointments are available; call 661-321-3000 to schedule and reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted.

Insurance and Family Pact:

• We accept various insurance plans, including Medi-Cal
• Don’t have insurance? Call 661-321-3000 for questions. 

Taking charge of your health is a powerful choice. Together, we can overcome these health challenges and build a #HealthierKern one heart at a time.

Join Us in Confronting Public Health Challenges: April Focus – Food Insecurity and Malnutrition

This April we spotlight food insecurity and malnutrition as one of our top health challenges. In Kern County, more than 117,000 people do not know if they will be able to get enough food to eat or where their next meal is coming from. Almost 50,000 children in Kern County are food insecure. Additionally, almost 40% of children report they are not getting the recommended two or more servings of fruit per day while more than 80% of teenagers report eating less than five servings of fruit or vegetables per day.

Good nutrition is essential in keeping us healthy! In fact, people with healthy eating patterns live longer and are at lower risk for serious health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. For people with chronic diseases, healthy eating can help manage these conditions and prevent complications.

Waste Hunger Not Food

To help address hunger and malnutrition in our community, Public Health has the Waste Hunger Not Food program that collects uneaten wholesome food from local schools and redistributes free throughout Kern County to those in need. Since our 2018 launch, not only has Public Health forged partnerships with more than 11 school districts to rescue food that would otherwise be thrown away, but we also work with dozens of local churches and non-profits to get this fresh food to our most vulnerable community members. 

To find a food distribution location near you, visit our website.