Walla Walla Planned Parenthood is providing free sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing for the month of September as part of their yearly Get Yourself Tested initiative (GYT). The campaign focuses on raising awareness about the importance of STI testing, especially for young people and individuals in communities with limited access to healthcare.
The national organization for Planned Parenthood is located in New York City, with the Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho (PPGWNI) serving as Walla Walla’s regional affiliate. There are 11 health centers in Eastern Washington in addition to the ones in Walla Walla, Pasco, and Kennewick. All 11 health centers provide gender-affirming care and medical abortions, along with STI testing, birth control, and other reproductive healthcare needs.
Planned Parenthood Generation Action is a student group on campus that works under the broader Planned Parenthood organization, advocating for reproductive freedom and raising awareness around sexual health and reproductive rights. Generation Action’s free week of STI testing on campus is currently scheduled for Oct. 21. The GYT free testing throughout September is open to everyone, including students.
In an interview with The Wire, Director of Philanthropy at PPGWNI Emily Anderson, discussed the role of students in the initiative.
“We have an advocacy chapter on campus; they have worked very hard for the last few semesters to provide a full week of on-campus free STI testing; they pay for that with their own club funds. It’s been very successful,” Anderson said.
PPGWNI is also the adopted charity for sorority Alpha Phi and have been present on campus during their various fundraising events.
Anderson also pointed to the continued need for services such as these on a college campus like Whitman.
“Whitman’s made a lot of changes in the last year about mandatory reporting. Planned Parenthood is a safe space; you can come and express your concerns freely, and it’s private and confidential,” Anderson said.
According to Anderson, Planned Parenthood’s mandatory reporting laws are only triggered if minors or vulnerable adults (patients with developmental disabilities or those over 65) are involved.
“New students are skeptical about navigating the healthcare system for the first time,” Anderson said, “but you can come to us and tell us… and we will advise you on your best options,” Anderson said.
The Get Yourself Tested Initiative Walla Walla Planned Parenthood plays a role in the promotion of sexual health and wellness and the importance of STI testing among members of the community. Initiatives like these can be seen as part of a larger effort to create a culture around proactive healthcare that benefits everyone.
