Get Yourself Tested (GYT), an empowering campaign to encourage people to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), is currently under way, with testing available Apri 5 to 9 and April 12 to 16.
The Virtual GYT event will provide students convenient screening tests for some of the most common STIs without an appointment with a medical provider.
"GYT is a great opportunity for students to get yourself tested and get yourself talking about STIs and sexual health," said Angie Brown, the college's director of health services. "Sexual health is an important piece of overall well-being and many STIs do not cause symptoms, so people do not realize they are infected. Getting tested lets you know your status thereby protecting you and others."
Students must pre-register to pick up a kit, which tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea, by logging on to the patient portal and filling out the GYT testing form. The first 50 students to pick up a kit will receive a goodie bag provided by OCO. The testing kit needs to be brought back within a week. Negative results will be sent to you by secure messaging on your health portal. If any test is positive, you will be contacted by a medical provider.
Pick up and drop off location is at Health Services in Hewitt on the second floor.
Cost is $53 (per site). All charges will be posted on your student account or you can pay by credit card over the phone (315.312.4100). Your insurance can be charged, but is not subject to the discounted price of $53.
As part of the event, a number of tables at Health Services will feature sexual health information and giveaways from Oz Peer Eds (Dean of Students), Ask The Sexperts, Nicky Ruszkowski (SUNY Upstate), Queer and Trans Outreach Center and Oswego County Opportunities.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show that 26 million STIs occur every year in this country — almost half of them among young people ages 15 to 24. Surveys found 1.8 million cases of chlamydia reported in 2018, and 583,405 cases of gonorrhea.
For further information and to register for a kit, visit the GYT website.