Student health services hosts STD testing

By Brianna Wallen

News Editor

Roughly one in four college students have a sexually transmitted disease, STD, and in many cases, students who have contracted an STD are asymptomatic, according to Hartford Healthcare.org. 

 Located in Granoff Hall, Student Health Services hosted Get Yourself Tested. On Wednesday, Sept. 18, students were able to take advantage of free testing for sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. 

While STIs can cause mild symptoms, they can develop into STDs.  

 Melissa Lopez, the director of student health services, said these events help to encourage students to get tested.  

 “It is important for students to get tested so that they’re aware of their status, and if they have an STI, they can get treated,” Lopez said. 

 Student Health Services also offers resources to students that do test positive for STIs. 

Lopez said that due to a partnership with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, treatments and contact tracing are free of charge.  

 “Treatments for STIs are offered free for students, and then we offer them education,” Lopez said. “We also offer partner notification and expedited partner treatment here.” 

 While these services are available, students can be hesitant to reach out and become aware of their status. The unwillingness to be tested can be traced back to the taboo around STDs. 

 “I think there’s a stigma around STDs, and this makes people hesitant to get tested because they are scared people will judge them and their lifestyle,” nursing major Favour Amayo, a sophomore, said.  

 Lopez said she believes that students should not be scared, as her department can assist students with the whole process.  

 “If they get tested, they’re able to face the issue and also understand what their status is, and we can address the problem for them,” Lopez said. 

 Biology major Dania Burgess, a sophomore, said that STD testing can provide students with a peace of mind.  

 “It is a good way to ensure that everything is okay and for students to be educated on ways that they can be healthy,” Burgess said. 

 By getting tested and being aware of their status, students are also able to keep themselves and others around them safe.  

 “I think that everyone getting tested for STDs can help to stop an outbreak on campus,” Burgess said.  

 Student Health Services also offers a wide variety of resources that students can take advantage of. 

Students are able to make appointments for illnesses, injuries and reproductive health visits. 

The department also coordinates flu vaccine clinics for students and weekly health education programs in the recreation center.  

 By welcoming students and helping to resolve their concerns through screenings, health promotion and case management, Student Health Services fulfills their mission of focusing on the physical, emotional and social requirements of students.  

 “I think that the department does a good job of creating a safe environment and bringing awareness for diseases that people might have and don’t know how to find out if they have it,” Amayo said.  

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