Over half of all people in the United States will contract an STI in their lifetime. What to look for and who to talk to about sexual healthcare needs is crucial in maintaining your overall health. Every single individual should be having these conversations with their partners and trusted healthcare providers.
Unfortunately many students attending SFCC and SCC are uninsured or under-insured making finding a doctor difficult and expensive. Located on the SCC campus in building 7 room 118 is the Student Health Clinic. Students from both campuses are welcome and encouraged to stop by or make an appointment for their healthcare needs.
“Sexual health is not just a physical piece, it is mental health too,” said Dawn Depriest, Lead Advanced Practice Provider. “The big thing is for us to help you get back to being successful and getting you back to your academic potential.”
When it comes to safe sex knowing what questions to ask and what kind of contraception could be best for you can be tricky. The clinic is a great place to start. Open, educated conversations with one of the nurse practitioners allows for you to feel confident. All of the nurses are from WSU College of Nursing.
“we talk [with students] about different risk factors and discuss the ways to be safe and healthy while being sexually active; whether you are a male, female, or nonbianary,” she said. “This is a safe space to come and express your concerns and get real hands on sexual education.”
Right now the clinic can prescribe prescriptions for several different types of contraceptives. From the shot, the ring, to birth control pills, to even the patch.
“We are in the process of being able to perform the implant that goes under the arm here in the clinic,” Depriest said. “And the IUD that you insert into the uterus.”
“We will talk to you [patient/ student] about all your options and we will get you connected to some place that will do those two until we are able to do them ourselves. It is really easy to get those in our community, there are almost zero barriers.”
Point of care testing is also available allowing for a more rapid result.
“We do pregnancy tests, strep tests, mono tests and UTI testing,” she said. “We will review them and treat you here if we have the means.”
“We can do blood tests, urine tests for STDs and STIs,” she said “We won’t just test you and inform you of the results, if it is treatment we can prescribe antibiotics. We talk about preventions and birth control and contraceptives for both male and females.”
“It is important for us to talk about patient centered care, how do we work with the student and patient to avoid having that infection happen again.”
Other tests provided are for syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV. Vaccinations for HPV are also available. Whether you are male or female the HPV vaccine is important for overall wellness as well as it can prevent you from getting cancer.
If you ever find yourself in the clinic you can be assured you will be greeted by the most kind hearted, amazing staff. Charlene Springer who is responsible for the administrative duties that pertain to the front of a medical office including Health Information management is there to lend a helping hand.
“Students have a goal that they have set and being able to offer support to those students to help reach their goal is very fulfilling,” she said. “Having our services available to students for little or no cost is a relief to many who use our clinic. I just love it when a student comes in and asks about our services and the cost. The expression on their face is priceless when they realize that most services are free. Our student patients are genuinely grateful and hearing that on almost a daily basis is a reward in and of itself.”