The University of Idaho is getting on top when it comes to sexual health.
The 2016 Trojan Sexual Health Report Card ranked Idaho No. 22 out of 140 major universities across the United States. Idaho rose significantly from its No. 54 ranking in 2015 and even greater than the university’s No. 73 position in 2013.
The new standings represent UI’s commitment to establishing and maintaining a healthy student body. The report card is based on the sexual health resources and information available to students.
Trojan, the condom manufacturer, uses research from Sperling’s BestPlaces to rate universities in 11 areas, including quality of sexual health information on campus and online, STI testing, contraceptive and condom availability and sexual assault resources.
UI is putting out strong programs to make sure students don’t have to rely on getting lucky when it comes to staying sexually healthy. Groups on campus like the Vandal Health Office and the Women’s Center routinely put on programs and have resources available for students.
One such resource is condoms, which can be found in the Women’s Center, the Vandal Health Resource Room and the Student Health Clinic — all without requiring an awkward conversation or uncomfortable eye contact. Student groups, such as Greek houses, can gain a large, longer-lasting supply by requesting condoms in bulk from these offices.
Programs like Campus Safety Week also focus on sexual assault and healthy relationships. The event “Lo que tu mama no te dijo (What Your Mother Didn’t Tell You),” was part of the week’s festivities, highlighting sexual health and healthy relationships. It was intended to be an event to continue the work of previous programs like “Sex Talks and Blow Pops” and “Got Sex?” in a more accessible form for people who may not attend other events.
The Student Health Clinic offers STI and HIV testing, while their phone line remains open 24 hours a day. Peer Health Educators in the Health Education Resource Room offer the opportunity for conversations with any student about any health issue, and can often help point students in the right direction.
Chlamydia is the most common STI in the country, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention said 90 percent of men and 70 to 95 percent of women have no symptoms, meaning there is almost no way for a person to know if they have it. They estimate one in 20 sexually active women between the ages of 14 and 24 have chlamydia. This goes to show how close sexual health is to campus and how seriously the issue must be taken.
Boise State University dropped to rank 71 this year from 47 previously. Brigham Young University assumed the 140 position in both 2016 and 2015. If UI goes soft at all on the topic of sexual health, it will face consequences.
Sexual health is important for college students of every demographic, and an institution can make a big difference with a helping hand. UI has committed itself to long-term, strong and compassionate programs to help students in this area.
— JO