With the help of the Lord Fairfax Health District, a US university is leading the way in taking care of student sexual health, supporting April as Sexually Transmitted Diseases Awareness Month. Based in Virginia, Shenandoah University’s Wilkins Wellness Centre offers free and confidential STD testing three or four times a year, but Ron Stickley, director of health services, said that April is the perfect time to spread awareness.
According to Stickley, ‘We try to offer the free screenings throughout the year, usually when school starts and after long holiday breaks. This month gives us just enough time after spring break to reach out to students.’ Through lectures, screenings and emails, Stickley said he does as possible around campus to educate students on the importance of sexual wellbeing. ‘I always tell the students that my biggest concern is their health. STDs can affect someone without them knowing it, and in turn they can pass it on. I hope that if a student enters into a relationship with “the one,” they’ll know that they’re safe,’ he said.
The free and confidential screening is a urine test, usually costing around $150. Stickley explained that not only does this free test appeal to a college student’s budget, but if a disease is detected early on it makes it possible to avoid larger expenses and missed classes. Only the organization doing the testing and the student will know the results, Strickley said. ‘We keep it completely confidential,’ he noted, adding that student convenience is also a high priority. ‘The health department has been such a help, because there will always be students who can’t make it in during the time that we offer the free screenings. They will work with you on setting up an appointment.’
Dr Charles Devine, director of the Health District, commented that recent data shows the number of reported chlamydia cases in the area is on the rise, and so finding people with an STD and treating it before it can be unknowingly spread to someone else is key. ‘For the Health District, I believe it is appropriate and proper to make diagnosis and treatment easily available. We just want folks who are engaging in sexual activity to recognize that there are risks, but there are also solutions on the prevention and treatment side,’ he said.
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