Although the Health Center is closed, there are still multiple resources at students’ disposal in regard to their sexual health needs. Some of these resources are on campus, while others have been outsourced.
Otterbein refers students to Desire Wellness Group for questions concerning sexual health or contraceptive options. Desire Wellness Group is run by co-owners Kimberly Potter and Diedre Arms.
Students can set up a free 15-minute zoom appointment with a practitioner through their website. Desire Wellness Group provides education on birth control options and STI testing. They also offer prescriptions for oral contraception, birth control options like Nexplanon and Depo-Provera, and can administer intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Potter described why students should utilize these resources, especially while living on a college campus and being away from their normal providers.
“Many of them have not been away from home until now. These are things that they may not have, or may not feel like they have when they are away from their normal providers and their house or wherever they’re from. Many people come from other countries, other states, and they’re just not accustomed to navigating this on their own. So education is a huge part of it and we provide that. Letting students know exactly what their risks are and options are, and providing that in an easily accessible way,” Potter said.
The North Columbus Health Center, which operates as part of Planned Parenthood, is also available to students. Located about 12 miles from Otterbein, the center offers in-person and telehealth appointments. Their services include STI testing and treatment, administering birth control, pregnancy testing, emergency contraception and more.
New patients can schedule an appointment online or call 614-222-3604.
There are resources directly on campus for students as well. One of these places is the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (WGSRC), located at 150 W. Main St. on Otterbein's campus.
The WGSRC not only offers free contraceptives, such as condoms, but they also have open hours where students are welcome to come in and meet with peer advocates for support.
Gray Takahashi, a senior, who is a lead peer advocate for the WGSRC, explained that all advocates have been trained by the Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio. Takahashi said that all peer advocates are trauma-informed, and that everything they discuss with students is confidential. The WGSRC can also answer questions related to gender, sexuality, relationships, stalking, dating violence and sexual assault.
“It’s important for students to understand that they have autonomy over their bodies and should treat themselves and others with care and respect,” said Lukas Patel, a lead peer advocate at the WGSRC.
For more information, students can visit Otterbein's student health information webpage for a variety of resources for various health needs.
