WHEREAS, Many students at California colleges report difficulty in accessing affordable reproductive and sexual health services, including STI testing, condoms, and emergency contraception, thereby creating barriers to their health and well-being[1], despite 86.2% of California community colleges charging a Health Services Fee at an average of $21.59 per fall/spring semester to accommodate such resources[2];
WHEREAS, The American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) reported that community college students reported higher rates of risky sexual behaviors, unintended pregnancy, emergency contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases [3], the National Library of Medicine reported that some community college students are more likely than students at 4-year colleges to test positive for sexually transmitted diseases [4], and another study found that while 91% of a sample of community college students reported being sexually active, only 29% reported adhering to consistent condom use [5];
WHEREAS, Ensuring access to comprehensive reproductive health services is critical in affirming student health and safety, as well as promoting a judgment-free campus environment where students can protect their health; and
WHEREAS, It is essential that colleges adopt strategies to support the provision of free or low-cost STI testing, condoms, and emergency contraception to meet the needs of students in a timely and accessible manner; Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges recommend that districts, the Chancellor’s Office, and Board of Governors work with local health organizations to provide free or low-cost STI testing on campus at least once per semester, providing testing in anonymous locations to protect student privacy and ensure that other students are unaware of their participation in such services;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges support the distribution of clear and comprehensive information about available reproductive and sexual health resources on campus and off-campus local organizations, including locations, hours, and eligibility, to ensure that students are well-informed about services and how to access them; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges urge colleges to adopt and enforce policies that ensure reproductive and sexual health services are available year-round, with designated campus locations for the distribution of condoms, emergency contraception, and other related services during all academic terms, as well as work with local agencies to educate about and help students navigate the registration process for Family PACT, a state program that provides free or low-cost family planning and sexual health services[6], ensuring that students can access necessary sexual health care without financial barriers.
Citations
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5253087/ [2]https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1biXLDELTByR4ccG9NgmH0r6Rx1oTA 9mLqdZE_CYavTQ/edit?usp=sharing
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21950256/