Hello new friends and lovers!

Welcome back to college, and welcome back to the annual pool of sexually available peers. Even if you’re not having a lot of sex, it’s still a good idea to get tested for STIs at least once. If you’re having regular partners, every 3 months is best. It might also be a good idea to look into birth control services near you, and to stock up on some condoms.

You can make an appointment to get STI testing or talk about birth control options through Health Services at Knox by calling their number (309-341-7559). Knox offers some services and also works closely with Family Planning of Western Illinois, located walking distance from campus. Knox students have access to one free STD test or exam through Family Planning per year—reach out to Health Services to schedule those. For some services, like getting an IUD placed, you will have to go to the Family Planning building.

Family Planning of Western Illinois is located on the 4th floor of a multi-story brown building on the corner of Main Street and N Kellogg (311 E Main St, Suite #409). They take most insurance plans and offer a sliding scale payment plan that adjusts to your income—meaning you probably won’t have to pay a thing, even if you’ve already used your free exam. 

You can make an appointment directly with Family Planning by calling them (309-343-6162) and saying something along the lines of, “Hi, I’d like to make an appointment for an STI screening,” or “to talk about birth control options.” They’ll ask if you’ve been there before. Just ask for your basic information, and schedule an appointment for either that week or the following week. When you go, make sure to bring an ID and your insurance information.

At Knox, the Condom Hotline, the Title IX office and Health Services are your best options for finding condoms—besides the box of supplies that should be in your suite. To use the Condom Hotline, use one of the QR codes around campus, or visit the Knox College Sexual Health Resources page on the Knox website, scroll down to “Knox College Health Services” and use the hyperlink.

You can also use the Knox College Sexual Health Resources page to access a sex ed crash course, Knox Knowledge 2.0 (created by yours truly), as well as a myriad of resources related to abortion access, sex ed, PrEP and PEP access, and a lot more.

I’m begging you, if you do decide to have sex this year, to get tested at least once. Ideally, every 3 months, especially if you have multiple partners. Encourage your partners and friends to get tested and to seek out birth control and pelvic exam services! If you’re comfortable talking on the phone, offer to book appointments for your friends. Go along with your friends for comfort and solidarity—you are absolutely allowed to bring someone into your appointment for emotional support and as a patient advocate. Be good to your sexual community, and your sexual community will be good to you.