By Ari’ Browley
Keeping up with your health as a college student while balancing classes and jobs can be challenging. However, Grand Rapids Community College is assisting in making your health a priority by providing free healthcare opportunities on campus.
On Thursday, Sept. 10, GRCC’s Health Bar is collaborating with The Red Project to give students free sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests. They will take place in the ATC building rooms 243 and 245, from 2 p.m till 6 p.m. However, this week is not the only chance students will have to take a free test. They will continue to be provided every second Thursday of the month throughout the 2026-2027 school year.
What is an STI?
According to the CDC, “a sexually transmitted infection is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact.” STIs can easily develop into STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) if the infection is not cured, and college students are at a higher risk.
“Young adults continue to be one of the groups most affected by sexually transmitted infections,” said Tiara Rudzinski, a Clinical Nurse (CNS) and GRCC HealthBar Specialist.
Tiara Rudzinski [Kole Meschke/The Collegiate] Kole Meschke | The Collegiate Live
“The testing process itself is very straightforward,” Rudzinski said. “Students can expect a brief conversation about the test, a finger poke blood sample, and then receive their results (after about 20 minutes) during the visit. Students do not need to prepare in advance, and the entire process is designed to be fast, confidential, and convenient,” Rudzinski said.
Rudzinski highlights that everyone should be tested for HIV and the less mentioned disease, hepatitis C.
“While hepatitis C is less commonly discussed on college campuses, cases have been increasing among younger adults in recent years,” Rudzinski said. “Because both HIV and hepatitis C can go years without noticeable symptoms, routine testing remains an important tool for early detection and treatment.”
Are you nervous about your results? Rudzinski assured that GRCC will provide students with ways to move forward.
“If a test result is positive, students should know they will not be left to figure things out on their own,” Rudzinski said. “The Red Project offers a variety of support services, care coordination resources, and connections to medical providers who can assist with treatment and ongoing care. Their team is experienced in helping individuals navigate next steps and access the services they need.”
Many students may not see the need to get tested, but Rudzinski emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the free STI tests, highlighting that frequent tests should be a part of general health care, especially if you are sexually active.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about HIV, hepatitis C, and other STIs is that many people have no symptoms at all, especially early on. That’s why testing is so important,” Rudzinski said. “If you’re sexually active, routine STI screening should be part of your overall healthcare, even if you feel completely fine.”
Although the symptoms can vary based on the individual, Rudzinski describes some warning signs students should look for.
“Symptoms that should prompt testing can include unusual discharge, burning with urination, genital sores, pelvic pain, unexplained rashes, or flu-like symptoms. However, many infections cause no symptoms at all, which is why routine screening remains the best way to know your status,” Rudzinski said. “If you’re unsure whether you should be tested, it’s always worth having a conversation with your health care provider.”
Access to the right healthcare is a struggle known all too well to Americans across the country. Rudzinski encourages students to take advantage of GRCC’s free healthcare opportunities.
“Students are encouraged to stop by, ask questions, and take advantage of this free and confidential screening opportunity,” Rudzinski said.
Visit the CDC for more information about Sexually Transmitted Infections.
