UNLV Sexual Health & Wellness

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A UNLV student has launched a movement to get more access to free condoms on campus and she wants free STI testing made available.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting a double-digit percentage increase in chlamydia and gonorrhea cases in the valley.

Student Courtney Jones said education and access will change the landscape. She’s pushing for change because she said it’s still stigmatized, and something so simple can save lives.

“I want everyone to get the chance to have one of these,” she said showing off the condom.

The junior said access is a big issue. For some, she said, it’s financial. For others, there’s still a stigma.

“Can’t even go into the store and feel comfortable buying the condoms," she said.

That’s why she wants condom dispensers with free condoms in places like dorm rooms.

“American University and, I think, a few other universities have also installed condom dispensers,” she said.

Courtney is working with the Great American Condom Campaign and Advocates for Youth to hand out freebies, but she only gets 500 a semester.

With a student body of about 30,000 and the rate of STI’s rising in Southern Nevada, she said it’s not enough.

“It is a problem,” she said.

Free condoms are available on campus at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center Mon-Thur 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. The condoms are also available at the Jean Nidetch Women's Center Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Center for Social Justice, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

However, there’s no free STI testing available.

“There’s only basically two places in town that offer free services for people to get tested,” said Amanda Morgan, Assistant Professor in Residence for the UNLV School of Community Health Sciences.

Morgan teaches sex education and introduction to public health. She said she likes the idea of free dispensers.

“It allows for people to go and have control without any social barriers,” said Morgan. “We have seen double-digit increases in chlamydia and gonorrhea, but we have actually in the past two years seen a 200 percent increase in syphilis.”

Courtney’s idea is to increase student fees by a dollar or two to provide the condoms. She said it’s a nominal fee to make a big difference.

“Students, we’re saving lives and that’s worth two dollars, right?”

Courtney said she has a meeting with the Wellness Center next week and then hopes to bring her ideas to university officials.

She’s created an online petition for both free condoms and free testing. To sign the petition, click here.