Isabella County reported 252 cases of chlamydia in 2012. A year earlier, there were 1.4 million cases of the sexually transmitted infections in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center has not only kept tabs on these rates, but they aim to decrease all sexually transmitted infections at Central Michigan University through the Safer Sex Patrol program.

“Young adults have the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections in the United States, and they have the highest rates of not knowing they have them,” said Tara Vancil, Cheboygan senior and SSP coordinator. “Our goal is to give students the information and resources to empower their decisions regarding sexual health.”

After taking a human sexuality course, Vancil became interested in sexual health during her sophomore year. Since then, she has made it her mission to revamp the program.

“Students should educate themselves; there is so much information regarding safer sex,” she said. “Take the initiative to educate yourself, protect yourself, and realize you have options and start the conversation.”

SSP makes changes

In tailoring the program, new additions were called to action.

The program now includes Transcend, the registered student organization that advocates transgender rights and health on campus. Vancil said the addition compliments the idea of not leaving anybody out.

“We are now making sure our efforts are including everyone,” Vancil said. “Often times you learn this is what a man looks like and this is what a woman looks like, but there are people who are intersex and it was important for us to redesign the presentation to meet the needs of all.”

In hopes of catering to everyone, the program has created its own Tumblr page, allowing students to ask anonymous questions.

As of right now, Vancil answers all of the questions.

“I brought this project up to my supervisor this semester, because I felt the need that students need a way to access information that is pertinent to their sexual needs and overall health and wellness,” she said. “This gives the opportunity for anyone to ask questions. At times, it is embarrassing to ask questions to a parent or friend, so this allows people to ask without embarrassment and the ability to find information they might not know how to find or who to ask. If a person is uncertain about their sexual health, it is important to ask about it and get it taken care of. It is better to be safe than sorry.”

SSP created community initiatives and, for the first time, the program sponsored free STI/HIV testing clinics, in the Bovee University Center in November.

Certified health professionals provided free testing to students, as well as counseling and access to medication for anyone who tested positive.

“We were able to successfully test 20 students for free, which is really exciting because testing can be expensive and sometimes difficult to schedule,” Vancil said. “We plan to sponsor another clinic next semester, and we are hoping to reach out to more students.”

Continuity is key

While new efforts have been made, SSP has kept traditions alive.

Bar patrol, scheduled educational events and safe sex kit stuffings have remained regular activities.

Every Thursday night, at least 20 volunteers go on bar patrol in downtown Mount Pleasant.

“We have passed out over 1,000 condoms this semester, and that number has grown,” Vancil said. “People are starting to recognize us when we walk into bars. It is great that the community is receptive of our initiative; it reinforces that there is a need for our services.”

According to Vancil, SSP aspires to inform everyone, but more importantly people who are sexually active.

“It is crucial that people get tested at least once a year," she said. "It is important for people to be aware and know that they may not be able to detect such infections by themselves. Chlamydia is the most common STI, found on college campuses.”

While chlamydia is the typical STI on college campuses, most STI’s do not always have symptoms.

“I have realized that it is more than just numbers, stats and rates," she said. "Often times, an STI doesn’t completely go away. It can remain in the body and can lead to more severe damaging. I see a need for it on campus and I feel the need to work toward a campus with an all-together better sexual health.”

RSO’s and other organizations can request an SSP event by visiting the volunteer center or contacting Vancil directly.

“We have already presented several events this semester,” she said. “We are looking forward to more opportunities to create an open environment, be informative and entertaining when educating students and breaking down any barriers.”