Expanded Access, Better Healthcare: Free STI Testing Now Available on Campus

“See a need, fill a need is always my philosophy,” says Ginger, a 2009 graduate of RRCC’s Physician Assistant program. She joined the college’s health center part time when it opened in 2012, became its director and sole provider in 2019, and continues to practice as PA in a family clinic outside of RRCC. “There’s a lot of stigma around sexual health, and just being visible on campus helps break that down. When students see us, they ask questions. They don’t have to search somewhere else for STI testing or general care. We’re here and we’re focused on equitable healthcare for all students.”

The Only Community College Health Center of Its Kind in Colorado

RRCC is the only community college in the Colorado Community College System running its own health center on campus, providing convenient care to faculty, staff, and students—part-time, full-time, and even online learners. The center is funded by a student fee and tailored to meet the specific healthcare needs of the RRCC student community. Services include vaccinations, COVID and strep testing, physical exams required for the college’s health and public safety
programs, and mental health counseling.

“This is a community college, and we take community health seriously,” says Ginger, who splits her time between the Arvada and Lakewood campuses, along with a part-time medical assistant and two therapists (one full time, one part time). “We want students to be their own advocates for not just their physical health, but also their mental and sexual health.”

Additional Grant Brings Broader Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare to RRCC

The Student Health and Counseling Center was also awarded a $75,000 grant through the Institute for Women’s Policy Research’s Connect for Success Initiative. 

This national program supports the development of sustainable partnerships and innovative models to meet community college students’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs. At Red Rocks, the grant will expand SRH services to students with the goal of increasing student satisfaction, retention, and collaboration across departments.

Ginger and RRCC’s Dean of Students - Student Affairs Armando Burciaga attended the Connect for Success Initiative’s annual symposium in Washington, D.C., last summer, where they connected with other colleges and discovered national resources for student sexual and reproductive health.

A Model for Comprehensive Healthcare for Colorado Community College Students

The latest grant helps Red Rocks build a sustainable model for student-centered healthcare in the community college setting. RRCC is now part of a national learning community focused on sharing strategies and finding new ways to better serve students.

The Connect for Success Initiative funding allowed RRCC to hire Chin Ya Russell as the Grant Admin Coordinator to manage the administrative duties that come with the grant. “Now I can prioritize seeing students and staff and meeting their healthcare needs,” Ginger says. “I try to educate those without health insurance or on Medicaid about how to utilize community resources too.”

With new resources, national support, and a dedicated team committed to equity and advocacy, Red Rocks Community College is setting a standard for how other institutions can support student health and success. “I’m so glad we can deliver these services to students,” Ginger says. “Hopefully, RRCC is paving the way for others to follow.”