Being safe and taking care of one’s sexual health means proactively communicating with sexual partners and healthcare providers, engaging in responsible practices to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and seeking routine preventative care and testing. Sexual health is also about understanding the importance of consent and respecting your partner’s boundaries.
Being safe also means taking precautions regarding alcohol and other drug use. Whether its missing class due to a hangover, getting in legal trouble, or increasing risk of personal injury, the use of alcohol and/or other drugs has the potential to interfere with short and long-term goals and academic success. It's important to understand how alcohol and other drugs affect your personal health, and learn the steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Resources
Sexual Health Resources
Did you know?
- Free and confidential HIV testing is offered on campus each month. No appointments - just drop in! Visit USI.edu/rfw/wellness for current testing dates.
- Condoms are available for FREE at the following campus locations:
- University Health Center (Health Professions Center)
- Counseling & Psychological Services (Orr Center 1051)
- Housing & Residence Life (HRL Office & C-Store Desk)
- Archie's Food Closet (Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness)
- Dean of Students Office (UC East Room 1256)
- CNHP Advising Center (Health Professions 2023)
General:
University Health Center - The UHC (located on the lower level of Health Professions Building) offers basic sexual and reproductive health services, including women's health exams, STD testing, and birth control.
Taking charge of your sexual health - Developed by the National Coalition for Sexual Health, this guide includes action steps for achieving good sexual health, information on recommended sexual health services, and tips on how to talk with a health care provider.
5 Action Steps to Good Sexual Health - Practical tips, advice, conversation starters, real-life examples and resources.
Safer sex practices:
Effectiveness of contraception - Information from the CDC about the different forms of birth control and levels of effectiveness.
Benefits of Condoms - Information from the CDC about the importance of using condoms. Learn how to properly use specific kinds of condoms below:
LGBTQ+ Specific Resources:
Health information and resources from the CDC for LGBTQ+ individuals.
LGBTQ+ Health Information (CDC)
National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center
STDs and Testing:
HIV/AIDS Prevention - Information from the CDC about the basics of HIV, risk factors, and strategies to minimize risk.
STD Fact Sheets - Learn more about specific STDs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and more.
AIDS Resource Group Evansville - ARG provides supportive and preventive services to those affected and infected by HIV, Hep C, and those who live an at-risk lifestyle of becoming infected.
Alcohol and Drugs Resources
Online Resources:
Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Recovery - Information for students, families, and campus professionals about alcohol and other drug prevention. This website includes links to latest research, and resources to support students in recovery.
Alcohol:
What students should know about alcohol on campus - a USI publication with important information about alcohol on campus, including the code of conduct, safety tips, and resources.
Rethinking Drinking - What do you know about your drinking habits and how they may affect your health? Check your drinking pattern and get tools to make a change.
BAC Calculator - This interactive tool can help you get a better understanding of how different factors affect your blood-alcohol concentration (BAC).
Marijuana:
Marijuana Fact Sheet - Information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse about the effects of marijuana.
Prescription Drug Misuse:
Generation Rx - This website provides educational resources to help prevent the misuse of prescription medications. Explore this site to learn about the scope, causes and consequences of prescription drug misuse.
Tobacco:
Smoke Free Quitting Resources - Learn about different tools to help you quit tobacco products.
E-Cigarettes and vaping - Information from the CDC about the health effects of e-cigarettes, including vaping products like JUUL.
There are many resources available on campus should you need assistance:
- You may speak confidentially with a professional at Counseling and Psychological Services (812-464-1867) or University Health Center (812-465-1250).
- In the event of a medical emergency, call Public Safety (812-492-7777) or 911.
- To learn more about USI's alcohol and other drug policies, you may contact the Dean of Students Office (812-464-1862).
USI Alcohol & Drug Prevention website - Facts about alcohol and other drugs, as well as information about USI's policies.