By Juliette Rhinow, Contributing Writer
On Thursday, the Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX partnered with Family First Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Health on World AIDS Day to offer free rapid HIV and STI testing in the College Union Building from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Director of the Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX Amanda Blaugher explained, “The whole intent of World AIDS Day is to of course raise awareness about AIDS itself as a pandemic but also to destigmatize testing and to make sure that people recognize that it’s okay to get tested. You shouldn’t feel any shame by participating in a testing drive.”
Blaugher’s office advertised the event through Instagram and word of mouth for a couple of weeks leading up to the event. A flier circulating via media platforms emphasized that the testing drive was a free and confidential walk-in service and that students did not need insurance to participate.
Blaugher recognized the significance of insurance-free services.
She said, “Lots of our students that may not have health insurance may be underinsured, and going to health services to get those tests done can be very costly. Gettysburg itself does not have walk-in clinics that students can get to so we wanted to provide that option here on campus for our students.”
Genny Dixon ’24 agreed on the benefits of the lack of cost. “Testing at the Health Center can be up to $2000, and if I knew about this testing drive sooner, I would not have paid to get tested a month ago.”
For those who are insured, Blaugher explained, “Oftentimes it can be considered part of your preventative care. So if you do have health insurance and you’re going to an annual visit, STI testing many times is covered 100 percent under your health insurance, but I recognize that is a hard conversation to have with parents. So we wanted to provide an opportunity where people don’t need to have health insurance.”
Many other campus organizations supported and advertised the event, including the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, College Life, Wellspan, and the Health Center.
Blaugher further delved into the off-campus partnerships that contributed to the testing drive, including Family First Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
“I think that a lot of our students don’t necessarily know about the services that Family First Health offers, and this is a partnership we’re really happy to have and really grow and develop to try and expand services,” Blaugher said.
While there is a Family First Health located in Gettysburg near Marshalls and Walmart, the Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX worked with the York location, which offers rapid HIV testing. The Pennsylvania Department of Health was connected to the drive through Family First Health and provided the STI testing.
Because the Office of Sexual Respect and Title IX and Family First Health share a desire for future collaborations, Baugher expressed interest in another testing drive in February. This one would also distribute spring break kits that would include items such as sunscreen, hand sanitizer and condoms.
During the drive, students lined up around noon outside of the CUB Ballroom in front of a whiteboard advertising the “Free Rapid HIV and STI Testing.” Pizza was offered to those who participated.
Some students shared the efficiency and ease of their experiences.
Julian Sanchez ’24 said, “Every time they do free testing on campus it’s typically with Family First, and so I think the nurses that do the testing are pretty nice. They always have goodies out to grab and this time they had gift cards which was extra cool.”
However, other students experienced significant wait times to be tested.
After waiting in line for two hours, Jalissa Ortega ’23 said, “People had to miss class today. People are in line waiting and emailing professors, saying they need to get tested for free because testing costs $80 at the Health Center. I needed to do this because I cannot afford otherwise, and I want to have peace of mind to know I am safe.” She suggested year-round free testing.
Other students who participated also called for increased options for free testing at the beginning and end of every semester, monthly testing, and daily testing.
Sophie Luckenbaugh ’24 stated, “I would like to see more sex education events. One every semester is not enough.”
