Having safe sex is as easy as swiping an ID in a vending machine, stepping into Baker Center or visiting Campus Care.
There are several ways to get free or reduced-priced condoms on campus that do not require visiting a pharmacy or spending more than pocket change.
The Latex League has been on campus educating students on condom usage for almost 15 years. The program, put on by POWER/GAMMA, provides health programming to the OU community, facilitated by students.
The Latex League focuses on promoting health and safety to students, primarily through teaching the 13 steps to using a condom — with the first step being consent.
After learning the 13 steps from a member of POWER/GAMMA and getting any questions answered, a student will receive a pass that he or she can show each time he or she comes in to purchase male or female condoms. Male condoms from the Latex League are 25 cents, or five for $1, which the group purchases through Lifestyles. Dental dams are $1.
Taylor Davis, a sophomore studying health communications, got involved with POWER/GAMMA through her major.
“Latex League was the best part of the class,” Davis said about the required class to join POWER/GAMMA.
POWER/GAMMA also puts on a variety of “Power Hours” throughout the semester, where students are welcome to come and discuss a selected issue.
“In all of our programs, we don’t assume all students are sexually active and it’s OK not to be,” said Char Kopchick, assistant dean of students for campus involvement. “For those that choose to be sexually active, we just want them to reduce their risk.”
For those who do not want to make the trek to Baker Center, many residence hall vending machines supply Lifestyles condoms for $1. A Post investigation on Jan. 26 found that the condoms in one building, Wray House, were not expired, though buyers should always check before using the condoms to ensure their effectiveness.
Condoms are also available at Campus Care for students at no cost.
“If a student comes to the first floor nurses station and asks for them, the staff will give them some in a concealed bag,” said Amanda Swope, Ohio University Campus Care nursing supervisor. “There are not many students that walk in for condoms only. However, we do hand them out at visits regularly.”
Campus Care also has a variety of other contraceptives available to students. The pharmacy provides birth control pills, Depo injections and NuvaRing with a prescription. These forms come with a cost, and go through students’ insurance or the pharmacy.
For community members and students off campus, Athens Planned Parenthood, 280 E. State St., also provides free condoms.
@kruseco
sk139011@ohiou.edu
This article appeared in print under the headline "Campus groups promote safe sex"
