Diversity Family Health Clinic hosted a free, confidential HIV screening and PrEP clinic on campus on April 14.
The screenings were available to all students, faculty and staff, and no appointment was necessary. The clinic was hosted by Student Affairs in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center.
According to Diversity Family Health Clinic’s website, the clinic provides healthcare focused on the LGBTQ+ community. The screenings on campus are part of their ‘End HIV Oklahoma Program.’
“Patients of Diversity Family Health are provided primary and comprehensive care services—specific to the gender diverse and LGBTQ+ community, in an environment free of discrimination and bias,” their website reads.
Levi Harrel, dean of students, said Diversity Family Health Clinic reached out to OCU to see if the school would be interested in a partnership. He said they partner with other universities including University of Oklahoma and University of Central Oklahoma, and they wanted to offer similar services on campus at OCU.
“This is the first time in recent years that we have had a free HIV screening clinic on campus and, most likely, the first time that we have had a free PrEP clinic on campus,” he said.
Harrel said it’s important the campus community has access to sexual health care.
“We know that college students are engaging in sexual activity, and we want them to be healthy in every way possible,” he said. “Bringing this free, confidential service to campus was important because it meant that they had easy, free access to sexual health care and that they could have their questions answered without any shame or fear, and it would be quick and accessible for them”
Vance Klassen, music theater senior, said having an HIV screening and PrEP clinic conveniently on campus was a unique opportunity to meet students’ needs.
“I think it’s a good service provided to pair students up with some place locally where they can get screened and also find treatment for their medical health needs. It seems to be a good clinic to use in the area,” he said.
Klassen also said it’s nice to know Diversity Family Health Clinic is partnering with surrounding colleges and offering screening services.
“From what I have heard from the clinic before, is they have been able to do this with a lot of different schools and we’re not the only campus that they come and do these pop-ups at, so I would hope that this could result in a lasting relationship and a service that can be provided for the students and help with their medical needs,” he said.
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