A responsible way to look out for oneself and fellow adults alike is by getting tested for STDs and STIs.
Kean University offers students, staff, faculty and alumni access to free testing events throughout the academic year to promote positive sexual health practices and keep the campus community healthy and safe.
Student Health Services (SHS) will be hosting their monthly STD/STI testing events in Downs Hall, Room 126 from 12:30 to 4:30 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 3, Friday, Nov. 13 and Wednesday, Dec. 5.
Last year, the event took place in the Miron Student Center. However, this change of location to Downs Hall increases the level of privacy for students who attend. This is to ensure that the experience is as private and comfortable as possible for students.
Get Yourself Tested Days is a series of monthly STD/STI/HIV testing events aimed at both informing the campus on the importance of sexual hygiene and on how to get oneself tested confidentially and safely.
At the testing event, procedures offered include free HIV and other testing at $9.50 a test and syphilis testing at $6.00 a test, which is standard state lab pricing. Insurance plans may be used to cover the costs of the testing. Attendees may choose to take whichever test(s) they desire.
Please let it be noted that it is the students' responsibility to have registered and verified their insurance coverage information with the school prior to attending the events.
New to monthly testing this year is the addition of the ability to prescribe PrEP for HIV protection through SHS. PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, which is used in HIV negative individuals to help prevent the continued spread of the disease. PrEP is approved by the FDA and has been shown to be a safe and effective method at preventing HIV infection.
Attendance is encouraged for any and everybody interested. However, if one is not be able to make it to the event, it should be noted that SHS offers STD/STI/HIV testing year-round on an appointment basis.
Moreover, additional information will be available to those that wish to seek help or assistance in attaining more information regarding sexual health and practices.
Professionals from Student Health Services will be glad to field any potential questions or concerns. Furthermore, the health professionals are a great resource for helpful tips and advice on surviving college in a healthy and positive way and will be glad to assist with whatever one may need regarding their health.
Those interested in how to make an appointment online through the SHS Portal can access information here.
