It’s Valentine’s Day, and the Oregon Daily Emerald has sex on the brain.  
Appropriately, it’s also National Condom Awareness Day, which means it’s the perfect time for students to get acquainted with the University Health Center’s sexual health resources.
The health center has been ramping up its efforts to educate students about its safe sex resources by handing out safer sex packets on campus and promoting knowledge of safe sex practices.
Many of the health center’s services are free or offered at a reduced cost, and the doctors, nurses and staff there understand college students’ needs and concerns.
After talking with the health center’s peer health educators, here are five sexual health resources every University student should know about.
1. CCare
The health center facilitates enrollment in Oregon Contraception Care, a federal program offering free sexual health services to men and women in Oregon.
For women, the program offers free birth control, STI screening, emergency contraception, pregnancy and an annual sexual health exam.
For men, CCare offers free condoms, STI screening and sexual health education and counseling.
Most students are eligible, and you can start using the services in as soon as three days. Enrollment lasts for one year.
It’s simple, and the paperwork takes five minutes to fill out.
To enroll, bring a photo ID, health insurance card and passport or birth certificate to the health center’s main reception desk.
For more information, visit http://healthcenter.uoregon.edu/business/ccareguide.html.
2. Condoms and Contraception
Aside from the free contraception offered through CCare, students can stop by the health center any time to get free male and female condoms, dental dams and finger cots.
Recently, the health center upgraded its contraception cornucopia to brand-name condoms, including Trojan and ONE.
Free lube is also available.
3. STI and HIV testing
You’re better off getting tested here while you’re a student, because STI and HIV testing can be expensive elsewhere.
Testing and results are confidential, and results typically get sent to your e-mail (as opposed to a phone call) within a week.
4. Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling
If you have been assaulted, you have choices, and the health center staff are there to be your advocates.
The health center doesn’t just offer examination and counseling services for students who have been victims of sexual assault.
They offer options, depending on what you want and need.
5. Peer Health Educators
If you’re not sure where to go for specific sexual health needs, stop in to the peer health educators’ office hours.
These students are trained to answer any questions you may have and direct you to the correct resources. And because they’re students, they understand.
This Valentine’s Day, love yourself and make taking care of your sexual health and wellness a priority.
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