Clinical Health Bureau

The Bureau of Clinical Health encompasses direct clinical services, preventive clinical and educational services, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness.

Programs: 

• Family Planning - provides gynecological exams including breast exams, Pap smear testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment, HIV counseling and testing, birth control options, education and supplies, reproductive and preventative health education, pregnancy testing services, and emergency contraception. The clinic also provides colposcopy services for women who need follow-up treatment from an abnormal Pap smear.
• Immunizations - immunizations to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases are offered for both children and adults. Childhood immunizations are offered by appointment to uninsured and underinsured children ages 2 through 18 years of age. A limited supply of vaccines are also available for insured children, as well as adults.
• STI Testing - The STI Clinic provides testing for sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, genital herpes, HIV, HPV, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and viral hepatitis. Treatment and referrals for treatment are provided. The clinic provides education to the patient in regard to STIs and prevention.
• Rabies Testing
• Refugee Health
• Reportable Diseases - The Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control (CDSC) program focuses on preventing or limiting the spread of reportable infectious diseases. This is achieved through disease surveillance, case investigation, contact follow-up, and implementation of control measures when necessary. The health department relies on healthcare providers, laboratories, hospitals, and citizens to report diseases.
• HIV Case Management - The health department offers free 20-minute finger-stick testing, confidential, and anonymous HIV counseling and testing services. Education is provided for clients on the importance of protection and the risks associated with the disease. Clients are educated on how to reduce the chances of HIV/AIDS exposure. For eligible HIV-positive individuals, the following services are available: HIV medical treatment, case management services, and an HIV support group. PrEP, a program designed to stop the transmission of HIV, is available for those who are at risk for HIV but are not HIV-positive.
• Tobacco Use Prevention - The Tobacco Cessation Program supports Maryland’s Cigarette Restitution Fund Tobacco Program through community and school-based health educational initiatives, tobacco treatment services, and tobacco retail sales enforcement and compliance initiatives directed at the use of all tobacco, including smokeless and vaping products.
• Cancer Prevention - In partnership with the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, the Harford County Health Department's Cancer Prevention program provides breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer screenings. Check the HCHD services page to check eligibility requirements.