Once a month, the Isla Vista community center hosts the “STI Screen-A-Thon,” which provides confidential screenings and consultations by the local Santa Barbara Clinics. The event helps increase awareness about the commonality and danger of sexually transmitted infections/diseases. Additionally, it helps destigmatize the act of getting tested or even having an STI.

According to the World Health Organization, more than one million sexually transmitted infections are acquired every day worldwide. In 2022, 57.7% of all chlamydia cases were reported from those aged 15-24 years (CDC). A study in 2019 reported that over 70% of community college students aged 18-19 had reported sexual experience during college (Women’s Health Interactive). The reality of the matter is that college students are at the height of STI risk.

I believe that Isla Vista and UC Santa Barbara should increase the number of screening events they hold per quarter. By increasing the frequency to twice a month, students' protection and education would be amplified. The university and community should make a larger effort to combat the dangers of sexual activity on campus and work to lower the percentage of students with STIs by providing these screenings more often.