With Feb. 14 around the corner, the Student Health Center is spreading the importance of safer sex methods with the “Taking it to the Streets” program.
While Valentine’s Day is recognized for a celebration of love, it is also connected to National Condom Awareness Day. The national holiday is a pledge to practice safer sex every time. The University Health Center is taking aspects of the campaign and creating a campus-focused day called Latex Barrier Day. Throughout the month of February, students will be informed of other latex methods that are not limited to just condoms.
“(These practices) are very important in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections,” University director of health promotion Paula Staight said.
To help educate students, the health center is handing out safer sex packets on campus. The brightly colored packets include facts and allergy alternatives for latex products. The packets also contain information about sexually transmitted diseases, as well as free condoms and lubricant.
“We are give out safer sex kits over several weeks as a way to educate,” Staight said.
University sophomore Alexa Kanbergs, a health center peer health educator, said many students are unaware of the consequences of sex. Kanbergs’ special-edition Wellness Wednesday advertisement, “Latex Love,” will be released on Valentine’s Day to help draw awareness. She said she hopes both her article and the packets will promote the use of protection.
“Everybody needs to know all the facts,” Kanbergs said. “We want people to make healthy choices.”
Kanbergs said the limited amount of sex education on campus has dampened its importance. The program is a step in personal interaction with students, but she said she thinks the promotion should be “every day of the year toward safer sex.”
“The knowledge is out there,” Kansbergs said. “But it’s not penetrating through the students.”
University junior Lingheshwari Kakkanaiah, the Cultural Forum’s contemporary issues cultural coordinator, said the lack of sex education is due to its lack of appeal.
Kakkanaiah, along with the health center, recently hosted the Condom Fashion Show, which gained a positive response because of its entertaining demonstration. Kakkanaiah said this creative take on a serious subject breaks traditional rules of telling facts.
“You are not really preaching or giving a speech.” Kakkanaiah said. “You are acknowledging that it is happening and that you need to be aware.”
The health center is a resource for students to receive information about safer sex. Staight said approximately 39 percent of students have had two or more sexual partners over the last 12 months. The more partners, she said, the increased risk of infection.
With the combination of different outlets for safer sex education, Staight said she hopes the “Taking it to the Streets” program will give momentum for a “Get Yourself Tested” campaign planned for spring.
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Safer sex comes to a street near you this Valentine’s Day
Daily Emerald
February 10, 2011
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