With Valentine’s Day around the corner, college campuses are reminding students of ways to stay safe this holiday weekend, and Grand Rapids Community College is no exception. The campus Health Clinic, which opened in the fall of 2025, is celebrating its first Valentine’s Day by focusing on STI testing for students on Thursday, Feb. 12.
“Students can expect a simple, straightforward visit,” Health Bar and Clinical Nurse Specialist, Tiara Rudzinski stated in an email. “When they arrive, they’ll check in at the front desk and be registered in our charting systems. After that, they’ll meet with a provider (me) who will review their concerns and proceed with STI testing.”
While getting tested can feel daunting, the campus Health Clinic is nestled into the Applied Technology Center in room 223, which is conveniently located, yet a quiet and discreet area. All students should plan to bring their RaiderCard. Students planning to self-pay for testing should bring their debit/credit card or cash, and students who want testing to be billed through their insurance should bring their insurance card.
Testing frequency varies from situation to situation, but some general guidelines are as follows: Annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening is recommended for sexually active individuals under 25. Sexually active adults 25 or older with new or multiple partners should test annually, sometimes more often depending on various risk factors. Anyone who has symptoms or has been exposed to an STI should be tested immediately. Men who have sex with men should get tested every three to six months, depending on activity level.
Safety should be at the forefront of GRCC students’ minds this Valentine’s weekend. “Sexually active college students are at higher risk for STIs because many infections spread easily and often have no symptoms at all. Regular testing helps catch infections early, prevents complications, and protects both the student and their partners,” Rudzinski explained, “College is also a time when many people have new partners or changes in sexual activity, making routine screening especially important.”
Students can stop at the Health Clinic for testing during normal hours of operation: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 – 6 p.m. Walk-in appointments are available 11 a.m. through 1 p.m. and 4 through 5:30 p.m.
For more information about the Health Clinic, visit the website.
If students can’t afford STI testing and do not have insurance, the Kent County Health Department offers free and confidential testing. Visit their website for more information.
