University is an excellent spot to acquire free items: T-shirts, water bottles, and, yes, even contraceptives. You might be conscious that most student health centers furnish contraceptives to students on grounds free of cost, but do you know that there are probably other locations at your college where you can procure contraceptives, lubricant, and other sexual health supplies whenever you require them? This compilation of where to obtain free contraceptives in college will undeniably be helpful, whether you’re on a tight budget (aren’t we all?), you forgot to go to the drugstore, or you just want to have some extra protection on hand. Being aware that you’re continuously prepared means you don’t have to worry about safety in the occurrence of an unplanned sexual activity, so you can be spontaneous without taking an detrimental risk.
According to research carried out by Scott Butler, assistant director of the School of Health and Human Performance at Georgia College, 85 percent of U.S. colleges allocate free contraceptives on grounds. Of the colleges that distribute contraceptives, approximately 96 percent do so at their health center. While certain religious schools don’t advocate birth control at all, in most cases, the campus health or wellness center is going to be your best option for a constant supply of contraceptives. You’ll probably see a bowl of them in the waiting area — be aware that those are possibly always available.
Your RA is another excellent resource. Sometimes, they might have contraceptives in their room, or even affixed to the outside of their door. You’re encouraged to take these, so don’t feel ashamed about doing so. That’s why they’re there.
Inquire your classmates or a member of the health center staff about The Great American Condom Campaign on your grounds. This program endorses access to birth control by providing applicants with a free box of 500 Trojan contraceptives to distribute on grounds. According to its website, GACC members distribute 1,200,000 contraceptives on college grounds across the U.S. every year. If you can’t find someone at your school who is already involved, consider signing up yourself.
Some colleges have contraceptive dispensers or vending machines, which you can access even when the health center is closed. Understandably, procuring contraceptives from a public dispenser or glass bowl can feel awkward for some individuals. That’s why select schools have initiated innovative programs that confidentially deliver safe sex supplies to students on and off-campus, free of charge.
Boston University’s Condom Fairy Program is one such initiative. It’s a free and effortless way for BU students to order safe sex supplies and health information and have it conveyed straight to their door. The program eradicates many of the hindrances that usually deter students from practicing safe sex, and makes contraceptives more accessible both on and off campus. The snail mail method eliminates concerns about public embarrassment, and the enclosed information encourages students to get tested and learn about enthusiastic consent.
“We’ve offered this program for the last five years, and yes, students use it,” Katharine Mooney, Director of Wellness and Prevention Services at Boston University tells Elite Daily. “We’ve done over 20,000 deliveries to students’ on and off-campus mailboxes with sexual supplies and other information about STI testing and consent.”
Students simply go to the website and complete an order form that asks for their name, address information, and requested supplies. “The program is called Condom Fairy, but it’s a bit of a misnomer, because we provide a whole array of safer sex supplies, including personal lubricant, oral dams … internal [female] condoms and external condoms,” says Mooney. The supplies are mailed out and arrive within seven to 10 business days.
Mooney understands that there are all types of barriers that make it more difficult for students to practice safe sex. “The beauty of the Condom Fairy program is that it makes it incredibly convenient and comfortable for students to access the supplies that help keep them safe and healthy,” she says.
While it’s great that most colleges provide contraceptives on grounds, there are still a myriad of issues related to accessibility of free birth control at universities. Schools like BU are setting an impressive precedent, with the hope that other colleges will follow suit.
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