As residents of British Columbia, we advocate for accessible healthcare services, emphasizing the importance of the 'Get Checked Online' initiative. Initially, not all LifeLabs locations were equipped with the necessary scanner machines for the program, but due to the pandemic, these machines were acquired in all locations. The BC Centre for Disease Control is the governing body who makes decisions regarding funding for programs such as this.

Despite having the proper tools, not all LifeLabs locations currently support this program, creating an unnecessary barrier for numerous individuals who could benefit from its convenience and contributing to prolonged wait times at both online and in-person walk-in clinics. A straightforward training session for LifeLabs employees is all that is required to familiarize them with using the program's online requisitions.

Higher-risk communities, including LGBTQIA2S+, non-monogamous, and kink-friendly communities, strive to ensure the well-being of their members. The lack of quick STI tests poses a notable barrier to maintaining safety within these lifestyles. If all LifeLabs locations across BC implemented the 'Get Checked Online' initiative, they could play a pivotal role in addressing this concern, ensuring individuals from varied backgrounds have seamless access to essential healthcare services, fostering a more inclusive and health-conscious environment.

This development is crucial, especially for rural areas lacking accessible options for oral or anal STI swab tests. Without such testing, individuals may erroneously believe they are clear of any STIs, unknowingly spreading infections. If 'Get Checked Online' were available in all BC communities, it could prevent new infections and contribute significantly to public health.

In addition to aiding higher-risk communities in preventing the spread of STIs, 'Get Checked Online' could serve as a crucial tool for individuals who have experienced sexual assault. In these sensitive situations, some individuals may feel uncomfortable discussing the incident with a healthcare practitioner, potentially leading to inadequate or nonexistent testing to ensure the absence of infections transmitted during the assault. Implementing 'Get Checked Online' across all LifeLabs locations would offer a discreet and accessible avenue for survivors to undergo necessary testing, contributing to comprehensive healthcare support for those impacted by sexual assault.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, there were 14,464 new cases of chlamydia alone in 2018 (source: BCCDC). With STI rates escalating, and antibiotic resistant strains developing, enhancing testing accessibility is imperative. 

Mandating all LifeLabs locations to support 'Get Checked Online' would significantly contribute to halting the spread of STIs and preventing antibiotic resistance across British Columbia. It is time to prioritize public health and guarantee universal access to essential healthcare services.

As citizens of BC, we implore the BC CDC to implement at least one 'Get Checked Online' supported location in every town that has one or more Life Labs locations.

Your support in signing this petition today will aid us in effecting change, forging a healthier community for all residents of British Columbia.