Cal Poly Campus Health & Wellbeing hosted “Spread Love, Not STIs” last Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Campus Health Center, building 27, to raise awareness about its Self-Order STI Testing Program.
The drop-in event focused on educating students about confidential sexually transmitted infection testing available on campus. Students arrived throughout the 90-minute program, visiting each of the different educational stations set up around the health center.
“The purpose of this event is to destigmatize STI testing by educating students on the importance of making testing a regular part of their health routine.” said Diego Abeloos, Senior Associate Director of Strategic Communications and Customer Experience.
Attendees were guided through multiple stations to learn what types of tests were available and how confidentiality is maintained. Campus Health & Wellbeing staff answered questions about STI prevention, transmission and treatment, providing accurate information and clarifying common misconceptions. After walking through the various booths inside, attendees were rewarded with burritos at the exit.
“This event is managed by staff members and student assistants from our Health Services and Wellbeing teams. Our staff will have stations set up where students can ‘catch an STI’ by picking out an STI plushy. Once they do this, they’ll learn about that specific STI’s symptoms, testing, treatment and prevention,” said Abeloos.
Campus Health and Wellbeing offers non-appointment based services for STI testing
What students may not know is Campus Health and Wellbeing offers a self-Order STI Program allows eligible students to request certain STI tests without scheduling a traditional appointment with a healthcare provider. The program was created to reduce barriers to testing and encourage students to take a proactive role in managing their sexual health.
“This event helps students get familiar with our space and services. We host this event during our free STI testing months, which we offer quarterly. Our next free STI testing month is in April,” said Abeloos.
Campus Health and Wellbeing aims to uphold an approachable atmosphere for discussion and open communication regarding sexual health.
“We want [students] to know how you get tested, treated, and prevent STIs. Additionally, we use this opportunity to get students familiar with Campus Health and Wellbeing and the wide array of services that we offer,” said Abeloos.