By Quinn Audsley
The start of the school year always seems to bring about a sense of newness, and this is no exception to the knowledge students have about resources for their sexual health and wellness. Even as a junior, I am still finding out helpful info about our campus that is critical regarding safe sex practices. So, here is a list of important tests and services that are available at the health center, Planned Parenthood in downtown Canton, and at the Dub that are worth keeping in mind!
Diana B. Torrey Health Center:
-FREE birth control consultations.
-FREE pap smears and breast exams.
– FREE pregnancy tests.
-FREE referrals given to physician qualified to place an Intrauterine Device (IUD).
-Emergency contraceptives, these are $30 and must be taken AT the health center.
– FREE STI consultations.
-Urine tests can be done at health center for gonorrhea and chlamydia for $30.
-Blood tests can be done at Canton-Potsdam hospital for HIV and syphilis for $10.
These services are confidential, meaning they will not be charged to your insurance, but to your online school bill as a unidentifiable charge. This also goes for any counseling appointment as well.
Planned Parenthood, 9 Miner St. Canton, NY:
-STD Testing for BV, Chlamydia*, Genital Warts, Gonorrhea*, Herpes, HIV**, Syphilis, Trich.
*For chlamydia and gonorrhea a urine test is done. **For HIV a blood sample can be drawn by finger prick or mouth swab can be done, results available in 10 to 40 minutes!
-Consultation Services include birth control, STI and STD, abortion, vaginal infections, testicular and prostate screenings, and breast cancer screenings.
– All consultation services can lead to further testing, prescription of medicine and/or contraceptive, referral to another clinic, or in office procedures.
Whether or not you have insurance, if you need care, you can go to Planned Parenthood and work out a future payment plan. Most insurances will cover consultations, birth control prescriptions, and other similar services. You can call your health care provider or Planned Parenthood, Canton at 315-386-8821 with more questions.
The Dub (Women’s Resource Center):
– FREE internal and external condoms.
-Financial Assistance for Plan B, we do not offer Plan B pills at the Dub.
-If you or a friend are in need of a morning-after pill, you can get in contact with a member of the Dub through our Facebook page (The Women’s Resource Center), our email dubstlawrence@gmail.com, or through our personal phone numbers if you have them.
-We offer $20 gift cards to Rite Aid and will help you print out the $10 off manufacturers coupon from the website planbonestep.com, bringing down the price to about $20.
-If available, a member of the Dub can drive or accompany you, but it is ok if you would just like the financial assistance and to take things at your own speed. You can also have a friend pick up these resources if you need to, or a Dub member can meet you at a location on campus of your choosing.