In partnership with Vivent Health, UMKC Roo Wellness will offer free sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing on Wednesday, April 17 at the UMKC Health Services Clinic.
No appointment is needed for the free testing. Students can walk in between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Additional dates for free testing clinics are May 15 and June 19.
Roo Wellness Office Administrator Renee Krouse says students shouldn’t always wait until symptoms appear to get tested.
“It’s important to get tested if a person has had unprotected sexual contact or if their partner has a known STI,” Krouse said. “We also recommend testing before engaging in sexual contact with a new partner or if experiencing any symptoms.”
Free testing offered includes Rapid HIV, Rapid Syphilis, Hepatitis C, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Some tests require a urine sample, so students should not use the restroom for at least one hour before attending the clinic.
Students unable to attend a free clinic can schedule an appointment with UMKC Health Services for a low charge. Testing prices range from $0 to $31. Testing at Vivent’s Community Health Center is free.
Their collaboration with Vivent Health also supplies the UMKC Health Services Clinic with safe sex kits that include condoms. Students can pick up a free kit at the Health Services Clinic.
“I think it’s cool that UMKC offers these opportunities for students,” said Caroline Cooper, a junior business major. Cooper said she would be interested in attending future clinics.
Vaccines for Hepatitis B ($60 per dose, 3 dose series) and HPV ($188 per dose, 3 dose series) are offered at the UMKC Health Services Clinic. Students can apply for assistance to see if they qualify for free Gardasil-9 vaccines for HPV.
For more information, students can contact Roo Wellness Health Services at (816) 235-6133 or Vivent Health at (816) 778-0772.
