Sexual Health

Let's talk about sex, baby....

(Like I said, welcome to the Nurse's office - we will talk about EVERYTHING!)

Based on a memo from Dr. Levine (yes, that Dr. Levine! He talks about things other than Covid!) back in January of 2020, data collected in 2019 indicates that approximately 40% of Vermont high school students are sexually active, which is similar to the national average. Vermont is leading the pack and has since been the first state in the nation to make it a law that free condoms need to be made available to everyone in all public middle and high schools. Governor Scott signed the bill that expands the access to contraceptives across the state. The idea behind this bill is that if teenagers have more access to contraceptives and good, reliable sexual health education, it may lead to a reduction in the number of unplanned pregnancies, abortions and STDs.

"In order to prevent or reduce unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, each school district shall make condoms available to all students in its secondary schools, free of charge. School district administrative teams, in consultation with school district nursing staff, shall determine the best manner in which to make condoms available to students. At a minimum, condoms shall be placed in locations that are safe and readily accessible to students, including the school nurse's office." Please see here for the statue effective July 2021.

Further information on this topic can be also be found here.


I'm sure just the idea of this will spark a lot of controversy!



To set the record straight:

  1. WE ARE NOT PROMOTING SEX AT BFUHS.

  2. We are going to do our best to provide our young adults access to the tools they need to explore their sexuality SAFELY.

  3. MY DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN FOR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, whether it is from the students, faculty, staff, family members or community members.

  4. MY JOB IS TO MAKE SURE OUR STUDENTS ARE AS SAFE AS THEY CAN BE! Let's face it - no one wants to think of anyone being sexually active.....however, it is a reality that students (especially at the high school level) might be exploring their sexuality and are having sex. If they can't easily access the tools they need to have safe encounters, there is a chance that they will still move on to have encounters without protection, which can potentially lead to disastrous consequences. As a Nurse Practitioner and a parent myself, my personal opinion is that I would rather have our students have access to the tools they need to practice safe sex and be open about their questions or experiences, rather than pay the price of an unplanned pregnancy or an STD. I don't ever want someone to say, "just this once, we will be fine," because they didn't think they had somewhere to come for protection or education.

  5. Another part of my job is to remind students that THEY ARE ALWAYS IN CONTROL OF THE SITUATION. NO MEANS NO. NO ONE has any right to force anyone else into a situation they are not comfortable with or ready for. Not only is it illegal to do so, but it is unethical and immoral. USE YOUR VOICE.

  6. MY OFFICE IS ALWAYS A SAFE PLACE for students to come with any concerns or questions they may have on any topic, sex or otherwise.


We will work closely with our faculty and staff, especially our guidance department, our counselors, our Student Assistance Program, and our folks in Restorative Justice, our Family Liaison, as well as Student Support Services to make sure we are providing all the appropriate tools and support to our students. In addition, we will also continue to work with our faculty and staff responsible for teaching sexual health to close this loop.


Carry on!! But please do so safely!