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Fear deters students from regular STD testing
ALLISON CRIST
@allisoncristudk
While many students are aware of the existence of Watkins Memorial Health Center, many do not know all of the services are available. This is especially true when it comes to the different types of tests offered for STDs and HIV.
Despite people ages 15-24 accounting for nearly half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted diseases diagnosed each year, many of them will go untested for a long time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Even though there are many reasons college students avoid getting tested, fear seems to be the most common, said Douglas Dechairo, the director and chief of staff at Watkins.
"I think a lot of students
Programs within Student Health Services work to educate those on campus to both prevent this type of fear and promote the importance of health care.
want to know, but yet they fear knowing," Dechairo said.
Even though fear could be the factor holding many students back from getting tested, money is another.
"College obviously isn't cheap. Spending money on anything extra, like food or going out, takes a lot of convincing, but when it comes to any type of health issue, it's always better safe than sorry," said Hannah Stegall, a sophomore from Lawrence.
However, that "anything extra" for some students turns out to be getting tested for STDs, only making them more hesitant to spend money.
Since Watkins offers a full range of tests for STDs and HIV, the prices vary.
test. Dechairo said.
"We do see some cases of Gonorrhea and Herpes. Very rarely, we'll come across HIV", Dechairo said.
"Nothing's free. Money is
always a limitation that comes with health care, which is why we try to keep our rates low to accommodate that," Dechairo said.
Other tests include hepatitis B and C, HPV and syphilis.
Chlamydia happens to be the most commonly found STD on campus, as well as one of the most expensive ones to
Each of these are subject to a drawing fee of $11.40, but students are only charged once despite the number of tests done.
TESTS OFFERED
- Chlamydia: $50.27
- Gonorrhea: $50.27
- Human Papillomavirus:
  $22.70
- Henatitis B: $20.50
- Hepatitis B: $20.50
Hepatitis C: $26.40
- Hepatitis C; $26.40
- Syphilis: $15.00
Hepatitis C: $26.
Hernes: $28 10.
These rates remain the same whether students pay in cash or choose to bill their insurance.
- HIV: $25.10
Each of these are subject to a drawing fee of $11.40, but students are only charged once despite the number of tests done.
- Combination of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and HPV: $80.00
"Often times, students will pay in cash so they don't risk their parents seeing a charge on the insurance bill. They will always have that option to pay up front," Dechairo said. "However, if students prefer billing their insurance, they are directed to a triage nurse who then creates medical records for the student."
In comparison with Lawrence Memorial Hospital, the prices for tests are cheaper at Watkins since they are a clinic, Dechairo said.
"We are always looking for ways to reduce costs as much as possible," Dechairo said. "We don't want students to be afraid because of money."
Despite cheaper costs, some students still may be hesitant
"We don't release any information without students giving authorization. Their confidentiality is protected entirely." Dechairo said.
to gef tested at Watkins out of fear of embarrassment. However, Dechairo believes this should not be an issue at all.
Alex Carter, a freshman from Bonner Springs, is glad to be a part of a college that has a health center with such a large range of resources.
"It's good to know that Watkins offers lots of different types of services to fit every student's needs," Carter said.
To make an appointment, call 785-864-9507 or online through the mySHS patient portal. Walk-ins are an option, as well.
— Edited by Benjamin Carroll
Students, departments respond to work policy
MCKENNA HARFORD
@McKennaHartford
The Student Employee Eligibility Requirements and Appointment Limits policy, which limits student workers to working less than 30 hours a week, is causing confusion for students and University departments alike.
The confusion stems from multiple issues, including the eligibility of employees for health coverage, the policy's implementation and how the policy will affect graduate teaching assistants.
In order to address the confusion, the University Department of Human Resources is currently discussing the policy with departments and answering students' questions.
Ola Faucher, director of the University's HR department, said they are willing to meet with both groups and individuals to answer whatever questions they may have about the new policy.
Faucher also said that despite its complexity, she has received neither negative nor positive responses to the latest policy update.
"It's a complicated law and we are trying to address its nuances." Faucher said.
During the transition period from the old policy, it is up to the department's discretion to decide whether or not to allow students to work up to 29 hours a week.
of student housing, says that the policy does not have a major effect on the department because they have many student employees, including salary positions, like RAs.
Diana Robertson, director
"It's a complicated law and we are trying to address its nuances."
"A fraction of employees work more than 20 to 25 hours." Robertson said. "The reality is that we hire enough students [that] few people will need to work in the 29-hour range."
Does the new policy affect you? Do you still have questions? Let us know. @KansanNews or editor@kansan.com
Nicole Schuh, a junior from Cary, Ill., who works 12 to 15 hours each week at the front desk of Oliver Hall, said that it's uncommon for students to approach 30 hours of work each week.
"If [someone is] close to the
maximum, then they have to release their shifts to other people and hope that people pick them up," Schuh said.
Schuh said the policy hasn't had a noticeable effect on her because the housing department has worked with her to make sure she has the hours that she wants.
Samantha Levine, a senior from Leawood who works at the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of First-Year Experience, said she doesn't have to worry about balancing two on-campus jobs.
"In the future, if I'm looking to make more money, then I don't know if [the policy] will benefit me because it's so nice to have a job on campus because it's easy to go to, but if I need to make more money then I will have to look elsewhere, at off-campus jobs," Schuh said.
Levine works at least five mandatory hours as a peer mentor at the Office of First-Year Experience and four to five hours as a geographic designer for the Office of Multicultural Affairs each week.
"The Office of Multicultural Affairs has a good deal with me where I do as much as I can," Levine said. "I'm happy with the hours I'm given because I want the job but not too much to handle."
Edited by Rob Pyatt
GEORGE MUILLINIX/KANSAN
Lawrence police conduct a DUI check on 11th and Tennessee streets Friday night. The LPD arrested 10 people for driving under the influence.
Lawrence DUI check lane curbs drunk driving
ANDY NELSON
@UDK_Nelson
The Lawrence Police Department conducted a DUI check lane Friday night at the intersection of 11th and Tennessee streets between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. The check lane, which was a part of the "You Drink, You Drive, You Lose" campaign, was enforced by 18 officers, according to Sgt. Kirk Fultz of the Lawrence Police Department.
According to the LPD, 393 vehicles went through the check lane. Of those who passed through, 20 drivers
CRYPTOQUIPS 6
OPINION 4
The additional officers were brought in because of the Special Traffic Enforcement Program, which grants funding to law enforcement. The campaign started on Aug. 14 and will run through Sept. 1.
Index
CLASSIFIEDS 9
CROSSWORD 6
were stopped and 10 were arrested for driving under the influence. An additional six drivers were given citations for traffic violations and two received citations for drug violations.
SPORTS 10
SUDOKU 6
Officers checked for signs that drivers may be under the influence with field sobriety tests such as the Horizontal
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, 43 people are arrested and five are killed each day because of alcohol-related incidents. The University provides services like SafeBus and SafeRide to reduce the number of drunk drivers. The number to request a ride is 785-864-SAFE (7233).
Edited by Lyndsey Havens
Gaze Nystagmus Testing, in which the officer looks for involuntary movements of the eye. Other tests included the walk and turn and one leg stand.
All contents, unless stated otherwise, © 2014 The University Daily Kansa
To go to your Tuesday classes today.
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