Kellogg Community College’s Student Life Office this fall kicked off a partnership with the Calhoun County Public Health Department on a health care initiative making free condoms available on all KCC campuses.
The Wear One campaign is a statewide initiative designed to increase awareness and acceptance of condom use among college-age men, with a goal of decreasing sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. Calhoun County – one of more than 50 counties across the state participating in the initiative – joined the campaign this spring, with KCC partnering this fall thanks to funding from a Program Initiative Grant provided by the KCC Foundation.
The Wear One campaign at KCC offers free condoms in easily accessible but discreet locations on all five KCC campuses. Dispensers are located in the heavier-trafficked men’s and women’s restrooms in the following areas of KCC’s North Avenue campus in Battle Creek:
- Binda Performing Arts Center
- Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center
- Lane-Thomas Memorial Building
- Miller Physical Education Building
- Roll Health and Administration Building
Dispensers are also located in each gender-neutral restroom location at KCC’s regional center campuses, including the Eastern Academic Center in Albion; the Fehsenfeld Center in Hastings; the Grahl Center in Coldwater; and the Regional Manufacturing Technology Center in Battle Creek.
According to data from the Calhoun County Public Health Department, rates of STIs have been on the rise the last few years around the state, and Calhoun County – where the bulk of KCC students reside – is no exception. Among the recommendations to combat the spread of STIs is creating better access to condoms, which addresses barriers related to poverty, stigma and a general lack of access.
KCC Student Life Director Kristin McDermott, who wrote the Program Initiative Grant to support the campaign, said the Wear One initiative fights these barriers and increases access to health care for students.
“Combatting the spread of STIs is a community concern, and as a community college, an undertaking in which KCC can assist,” McDermott said. “Through the installation of condom dispensers and the provision of free condoms, we are promoting community partnerships with local health departments, enhancing the College environment and promoting equity by erasing the barriers of access to this simple and effective method of health care.”
All dispensers are labeled with general health information as well as a QR code that links to clear and simple instructions for the proper use of condoms and information about accessing related health care services, including testing and vaccination.
For more information, contact McDermott at studentlife@kellogg.edu.
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