Valentine’s Day is just about a week away, which makes it as good a time as any to learn about or remind yourself of the sexual and relationship health resources available to students right here on campus. The Barnes Center at The Arch offers a range of sexual and relationship health services, including confidential counseling, workshops, sexual health education, and access to STI testing and contraception. Read on to learn about some of the services and resources available to you!
Safer Sex Supplies
The Barnes Center operates Safer Sex Supplies, an inclusive and discreet sexual health supply service for Syracuse University students at no additional cost. Students can order supplies online through a simple order form and have the package be discreetly delivered to their residence hall, or they can pick it up themselves from the Barnes Center or Goldstein Student Center. No order? No problem! Students can also swing by the Safer Sex Supplies pick-up station located outside of the Barnes Center Health Promotion office to obtain safer sex supplies whenever they want or need them (no order required!). Being sexually active is normal, and being safer can help keep yourself and others from getting an STI!
STI Testing and Treatment
There is no shame in being responsible when it comes to sexual health! Health care professionals recommend that you get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) annually, if you have had unprotected sex or if you’re embarking on a sexual relationship with a new partner. It’s also recommended to talk with your health care provider about the types of sex you’re having so that the right STI testing can be done. The Barnes Center offers the HPV vaccine as well as confidential and fast STI screening appointments for any students who may want to get tested. In fact, Syracuse University is the only campus in the country that offers rapid STI testing (results in 45 minutes or less)! Appointments can be made in the Patient Portal.
Pregnancy Counseling
With the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the discussions surrounding pregnancy, abortions and other reproductive care options throughout the country, the Barnes Center wants to make sure students are aware of the options available to them here in New York. Pregnancy counseling services allow students to work with Barnes Center medical providers to explore the options available in New York State, ensuring students have access to the resources they need, whether that be prenatal care and OB-GYN information, or agencies and doctors that can help terminate a pregnancy.
Couples Counseling
The first step towards improving a relationship may be as simple as communicating. The Barnes Center provides various relationship support services, including couples counseling, to Syracuse University students to help begin that talk. With your partner, you can seek the assistance of a professional to learn the tools necessary to maintain a positive relationship with each other.
Workshops
The Barnes Center holds Wellness Education Workshops to help students learn and have honest conversations about sexual health topics. Open discussions with educated individuals help build trust in relationships and educate students. Student groups interested in requesting an educational workshop facilitated by Barnes Center staff or Peer Leaders can fill out the Barnes Center Outreach Request Form.
You can learn more about these and other sexual and relationship health services by visiting the Barnes Center’s website.
Written By Emily Rutkowski G’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications